The Laramie Chronicles

Christmas Memories   

By

Patty Wilkinson

Chapter 1

It was the week before Christmas and preparations were in full swing at the Sherman Ranch and Relay Station.

Daisy Cooper, housekeeper and surrogate Ma to Slim Sherman, Jess Harper the co-owners and their young ward Mike Williams had been busy for weeks. 

So as the festival was approaching, she was just beginning to relax and enjoy herself knowing that all was in hand, when her plans were suddenly thrown into disarray. 

She had been ordering a few final items at the general Store, aided by Jess, when Ezra the storekeeper said casually, “You heard about old Jake Powell then?”

“What about him?” Jess asked looking puzzled, “He’s OK ain’t he?”

“Nope I heard tell he’d been sick with lung fever and his daughter has come over from Cheyenne to take him home with her for the holidays.”

Daisy gasped, “Oh dear that’s too bad, poor Jake…he is alright though?”

“Yup, as far as I know…but it kinda leaves you in a difficult spot don’t it, Mrs Cooper.”

“Oh yeah,” Jess interjected, “he’s always Santa at the Sunday School Kids party that you organise, isn’t he Daisy?”

The good woman gasped once more, “Oh goodness me, yes…and it’s such short notice to get a replacement.”

Then she turned her beguiling smile on old Ezra…

Ezra was busy boxing up Daisy’s packages and didn’t respond for a moment or so. However, once he saw the look in her eye and the hopeful smile, he virtually leapt backwards.

“No... oh no dear lady, definitely not! I have enough trouble controlling those little vandals in my shop at the best of times. They see me all decked out as Santa, there will be no stopping them. They’ll think I’m a real soft touch…heck some sort of kindly old man.”

“Surely not Ezra,” Daisy said, “I’m certain nobody could accuse you of that.”

Ezra looked slightly taken aback, trying to decide if that was a compliment or insult. But finally shrugged, and merely said, “Sorry, I can’t help you Ma’am.”

On the way home Jess could feel Daisy’s kindly eyes turned on him and after a mile or so he said, “No Daisy, I ain’t doin’ it. I’m way too young for starters. And what would Mike make of it? He still believes in Santa you know, and you wouldn’t wanna upset the kid now would you…huh?”

When they arrived back at the ranch, he helped her down and carried her purchases in before unhitching Betsy and leading her into the barn.

Slim looked up from where he was mending tack.

“Get everything?” he asked grinning.

“Half the dang store,” Jess said leading Betsy into her stall.

Then turning said “Watch how you go in there,” nodding to the ranch house, “Daisy’s, on the lookout for a Santa for the kid’s Christmas party, as old Jake is sick.”

“Uh-uh,” Slim said looking wary…then grinning, “Hey I’m too young.”

“Just what I said,” Jess replied, “I don’t think she’s convinced though. Anyway, we can’t do it. Think of Mike, he still believes in Santa, we don’t wanna go upsetting the kid just before Christmas.”

Slim looked thoughtful, “Maybe we should break it to him though Jess, before one of those kids in the school yard does it and teases him huh?”

Later that night Slim opted to put a very excited Mike to bed.

“Hey calm down Tiger,” Slim said grinning and perching on the end of the youngster’s bed, “getting real excited, are you?”

“Sure am, aren’t you? It will be swell to see Andy and Uncle Jonesy again won’t it!”

“Sure will,” Slim replied happily. It had been over 18 months since he’d seen his kid brother and their old family friend; now located back east where Andy was in school.

“I expect you’re looking forward to Santa too, aren’t you?” Slim said conversationally.

Mike looked surprised, “Heck Slim do you still believe that story about Santa being real?”

Slim’s head shot up and ignoring the question said, “Well you do, don’t you?”

“Nah,” he said grinning. Billy Jackson told me a couple of years ago it was just yer Pa or some old person dressing up.”

“But…but you’ve always said you believed in him,” Slim said looking shocked.

“Well sure I did, because of Jess.”

“Jess, what’s he got to do with it?” Slim asked looking puzzled.

“Well, you see he still believes in him and I didn’t wanna upset him, so I just go along with it for his sake.”

Then looking serious said, “Please don’t tell him Slim, he’d be real upset.”

Slim made a great effort to keep a straight face, but crossed his heart and promised that he wouldn’t breathe a word to Jess.

Later when Jess was off in the barn checking on the horses, before turning in, Slim helped Daisy finish off the washing up.

When he explained what the youngster had said, she too was smiling delightedly. Then sobering said, “Oh dear and if anyone would be less likely to believe in Santa it would be Jess. The upbringing that poor boy had…why his father didn’t even let them celebrate the day.”

Slim nodded, “I know...maybe that’s why Jess wants to try and keep it special and magical for Mike as long as he can.”

“You could be right dear,” she said kindly and then Jess came barging into the kitchen saying it was dang well freezing out there and was the coffee on…and the moment passed.

Mike wasn’t the only one who was buzzing with excitement…Slim was too.

The men got ready to bed down for the night in their shared room, Jess relaxed back on his pillows looking over at his pard as he washed up and then started pacing about the room looking for something.

“What’s up?” Jess asked.

“Can’t find that darned book I wanted to lend Andy.”

“Well, he’ll hardly have time for reading during all the festivities.” Jess said sensibly.

“Nope I guess not…but he did ask me to dig it out in his last letter.”

“I guess he’ll have really grown some,” Jess said smiling, “quite the young man huh?”

“I guess so.” Slim said finally giving up his search and slumping down on his bed. “I wonder why old Jonesy is coming too…I figure at sixteen Andy would be OK to travel alone.”

“Maybe there’s trouble in paradise,” Jess said grinning, alluding to the romance between Jonesy and a lady called Annie, who had been an old flame of his. As the old timer had said himself, “You could have knocked him down with a feather when I found out dear Annie was the landlady of the Boarding House where me and young Andy were to reside during term time.”

Originally Andy had been enrolled at his Pa’s old School in St Lois… but it turned out to be under different management and was a terrible place. So eventually he transferred to the Springfield School as a day boy and Jonesy had relocated to look out for him. Then on meeting Annie, who was now widowed, a new romance had bloomed. (See #80 - Andy Slim and Me - End of an Era) 

“I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.” Slim said, turning in…but it was a while before he finally managed to sleep.

He was up at first light the following day and like a cat on a hot tin roof all morning, driving Daisy and Jess mad with his constant checking the time and looking out for the noontide stage.

Finally, the moment they had all been waiting for arrived, as Mose galloped the horses down the rise and swung to a stylish halt by the ranch door. As Slim, Jess and Mike tumbled out of the house, followed by a more sedate Daisy, the Stage door open and a tall dark-haired, handsome young man jumped down and looked around him.

Slim stopped in his tracks and finally said, “Andy…Andy that you?”

Andy quit looking at the house and barn and turned his attention to his big brother and grinning cheerfully said, “Well who’d ya think it was Slim, huh?”

He was grabbed into a bear hug by Slim who then pushed him over to Jess who also hugged him grinning.

Finally, he was released and Daisy smiled lovingly at him, “Welcome home dear,” she said kindly, and then Mike was there laughing and shouting for Andy to come see his pet fawn and they ran off together.

Moments later Jonesy stepped down from the stage and glaring at Slim and Jess said, “Well is there any welcome left for a poor, ailing old man huh…huh?”

“Well sure Jonesy,” Slim said quickly, “come on in!”

Then Daisy came forwards, “Jonesy dear it’s so good to see you, do come in, the coffee is hot and pie just out of the oven.”

Jonesy beamed at her and taking her arm said, “Now that’s what I call a proper welcome,” and they marched off towards the ranch before  he turned, saying, “Bring my stuff in will you boys.”

Mose threw a couple of cases from the top of the stage and then started throwing down various boxes and parcels.

Jess turned to Slim and said, “Heck they aren’t movin’ back in, are they?”

Mose grinned down at them, “Young Andy said they were presents for you all.”

The men exchanged an alarmed glance before piling up all the luggage and carrying it into the house.

Jonesy was now ensconced at the table sipping his coffee and eyeing the large piece of pie Daisy had just cut for him.

“So, Annie ain’t with you?” Jess said cutting to the chase with the usual Harper lack of tact.

Jonesy threw him a sad look, “Well no she ain’t. See her sister has invited herself for Christmas. Gertrude and I… well if I’m honest we don’t really get on….in fact Annie’s none too keen on her either.”

Mike and Andy had now come in looking for milk and cookies and Mike ventured, “She sounds like Aunt Daisy’s sister…Aunt Lily, she’s a real pickle ain’t she Jess?”

“Uh Tiger that ain’t manners,” Jess said quickly.

“No,” agreed Daisy.

But then smiling at the youngster said, “But none the less, true…my sister is very difficult. And I’m sorry Annie’s sister has intruded on your Christmas Jonesy.”

“Well thank you ma’am. I know Annie wouldn’t normally have given her house room, but the lady has recently lost her husband, so we felt we had to offer some human charity.”

“But of course,” Daisy agreed.

“And anyway, I wanted to come back and see everyone,” he said looking around him, “you get to my age and you don’t know how long you’ve got.”

“Ha,” said Slim, “you’ll outlive all of us Jonesy.”

Then Jess glanced over at Daisy and saw that look in her eyes.

“I agree Slim,” she said quickly, “in fact I’d say you were in your prime Jonesy.”

He looked pleased at that.

“In fact, I imagine you are the sort of man who would be able to turn his hand to anything?”

“Well, I reckon so ma’am,” he said outwardly preening now. “Most things I can be relied upon to do a good job.”

“Just as I thought,” she said clapping her hands together…and then saying. “More pie?”

“Well thank you kindly, Miss Daisy,” he said looking hopefully at the knife hovering above the sumptuous apple pie.

“You see I’m in desperate need of a Santa for my children’s party tomorrow,” she said artfully, “and I do believe you are just exactly the right size for the costume.”

“I am?” he asked desperately seeking an excuse.

“Why yes indeed, and with the beard you would look magnificent!”

“Wouldn’t he Slim …Jess?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” Slim assured her.

“Made for the part,” Jess agreed.

Jonesy watched the knife hovering over the pie…what could he do?

“Sure Ma’am, I’d be real honoured,” he said.

“I just knew you’d do it,” Daisy said happily as she cut a large wedge of pie and thrust it towards the old man.

Once she had left the room to fetch more coffee, Jonesy eyed Jess and Slim malevolently, “I’ll get you for this, you no good rapscallions!”

Slim chuckled, “It looks like some of Andy’s learning has found its way through to you Jonesy…rapscallions eh!”

“Well, he’s got me foxed, but I’m guessin’ it ain’t good?” Jess said cheerfully.

Then nudging Andy said, “Let’s go put the relay horses up huh,” figuring he’d escape Jonesy’s wrath.

Once they were in the barn together Andy said, “Gee, it’s so good to be back Jess.”

Jess frowned, “I thought you were enjoying all that gettin’ real educated up now?” 

 “Oh, I am…I love it, especially all the sciences, and the other boys are real fun.”

Then he flushed up, “And the girls too…”

Jess chuckled, “Hm…I didn’t know girls went there?”

“No they don’t, the girl’s school is down the road, but there’s this…uh special girl that lives right next door!”

“Well, that’s real handy,” Jess said grinning, “so, pretty, is she?”

Five minutes later, Jess was under no illusions as to how pretty, smart, fun and generally wonderful, Amy was.

“You see Jess, I’m in need of some advice.” he said seriously.

Just then they heard Slim hollering, “Andy...Andy!”

Then moments later he entered the barn, “Oh there you are.”

Then looking more closely said, “Hey shouldn’t you change out of those good clothes if you’re going to be helping out?” he suggested.

Andy rolled his eyes at Jess and then turning said, “I guess so,” and wandered off before turning back.

“We’ll talk later huh, Jess?”

“Sure buddy, later…”

Once he’d gone Slim’s eyes narrowed and he said, “So what does he want to talk about, huh?”

“Girls,” Jess replied succinctly.

Now it was Slim’s turn to roll his eyes, “For goodness sake, we had enough trouble with him over that really unsuitable Wendy; not to mention the infatuation he had with your gal that time…uh Tessa.”

“Yeah, well he’s over all that now and this one sounds like a real nice gal,” Jess said grinning.

“He’s not old enough to be thinking of girlfriends, he should be spending all his time studying…and anyway, why is he asking your advice and not mine…huh?”

Jess shook his head, “Because of what you’ve just said, I guess. Hell, he’s sixteen now Slim not a little kid anymore and I figure you should start treating him that way?”

“Oh, you do, do you?” Slim said belligerently.

Jess just shrugged and went back to grooming the relay horse, “Iffen you want him to open up to you, I guess so yeah.”

Slim slumped down on a handy straw bale and said, “You’re right…of course you are. But it’s hard you know Jess…trying to be Pa to your own kid brother.”

Jess stopped what he was doing and came and leaned on the stall door, “I guess you’re right, and maybe that’s why it’s easier for him to talk to me about that kinda thing?”

“You could be right,” Slim said throwing him a rueful look, “I remember being really embarrassed when my Pa started advising me about dating and things,” he said frowning at the memory.

“Well, there you go then, I’ll straighten the kid out…OK?”

“Um… don’t go telling him it’s all in the kissing and things like that,” Slim said quickly. “Just that he must respect women and remember the sanctity of marriage, that sort of thing…”

“Sure, sure,” Jess replied vaguely, before going back to his task.

Chapter 2

It was the following day before Jess and Andy were able to have their little heart to heart chat.

The morning was spent in a whirl of activity as Jess, Slim, Andy and Mike went off to the woodlands on the far edge of the east pasture to choose a large fir tree to adorn the house for Christmas.

“Gee it really feels like Christmas now,” Mike said as the six-foot tree was chopped down and roped to one of the strong draft horses to drag home to the ranch.

“Sure does.” Andy agreed his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Slim watched his little brother fondly… he may think he’s all grown up he thought secretly, but there was still a lot of his baby brother in there.

They arrived back in time for an early midday meal before packing all Daisy’s party food into the buggy for the town’s Children’s Party. They helped Daisy aboard along with Mike. Then Jonesy clambered up, now dressed in his Santa costume…looking like a lamb to the slaughter, or so Slim thought.

 “Hey yer supposed to smile,” Jess said, “you know ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ and all that stuff.”

“Funny, very funny,” Jonesy snarled.

 Mike looked across at his hero and said, “Don’t worry Jess... Jonesy is just dressed up as one of Santa’s helpers. The real Santa will still come on Christmas Eve!

“Yeah, sure he will Tiger,” Jess agreed, before throwing Slim a puzzled look.

“I thought you were gonna tell him,” he whispered.

“Change of plan,” Slim said winking at Daisy, who smiled back at him.

“Huh, what’s going on?”

“Oh nothing,” Slim said as he mounted up, ready to accompany Daisy to town.

Then quietly, “How come I got lumbered with this dang party anyway?”

“We tossed for it remember? Besides, someone has to be here for the afternoon stage.”

“Yeah, sure” he said sceptically, wondering if Jess had employed his double headed coin yet again. But then Daisy broke in with. “Do come along dear we don’t want Santa to be late.”

Once Andy and Jess had waved them off, they made their way back to the house and the coffee pot, the afternoon having turned chilly.

Once they were sitting before a roaring fire, a coffee apiece Jess said, “So what’s on your mind Andy?”

“You won’t tell Slim, will you?”

“Well, that kinda depends on what yer gonna tell me don’t it…I mean iffen you’ve robbed a bank back there in St Lois, then I guess you’d better fess up and make a clean breast of it, huh.”

“Aw Jess will ya stop kiddin’, this is serious.”

Jess tried to arrange his features in a solemn expression and said, “OK fire away.”

“Well, you see Jess, it’s Amy. I’m not sure what to do next. I think she wants to…you know… and we’ve kissed some and held hands…but as to the rest well, I’m kinda unsure.”

“Hey hang on there, partner, don’t you think yer kinda rushing things?”

“Dang it, Jess, you sound just like Slim…I am sixteen you know! Gosh you’d gotten loads of experience by my age.”

“Yeah, well that was me and that’s different. Besides I didn’t have anyone around to give me advice, help me out some.”

“But why was it so different, you liked some gal and wanted to sleep together so you did.”

“Yup, but for a start, I didn’t have as much to lose as you do Andy. See iffen I’d got a gal in the family way I’d have done the right thing and wed her. It wouldn’t have mattered too much because I could still find work ranching, horse breaking that kinda thing.”

“Go on,” Andy said looking puzzled. 

“Well supposing you got this Amy pregnant, you’d hafta throw all your education away and get a bum job someplace. Hell, yer worth more than that Andy. You’ve got a real good future ahead of you with a career in medicine iffen you make the grades, which I know you will.”

Andy looked thoughtful and then said, “But you never got caught, you always said you were real careful. So, can you explain all that side of things to me, huh?” he asked looking hopeful.

Jess shook his head and sighed, “Sure I’ll do that anyway…but it ain’t fail-safe you know. Mistakes can happen. And there’s something else…this Amy seems like a real nice kid, well brought up?”

“Oh yeah, her Pa is a solicitor and her Ma is real clever…can speak French and all. They’re really nice and are very kind to me.”

Jess sighed Jeez a solicitor for a Pa, he could see the lawsuit already.

“So how old is Amy?” he asked.

“Fifteen, but she’s nearly sixteen.”

Jess shook his head, “And so what do you think her folks would make of all this huh?”

Andy flushed up and hung his head, “I dunno, they’d be real mad I guess.”

“Yeah, and not without cause either,” Jess muttered. “So, are you fixing to marry this girl one day?” he added.

Andy nodded vigorously, “Well sure I am. She wants to train as a nurse and we’re going to work together when I qualify,” he said proudly.

Jess smiled at him and said, “See boy that’s the difference between us. All those women I’ve bedded that you were talking about? Well, I was honest with them all. They were women of the world and were happy to just have some fun. I told them I wasn’t about to commit. Said I didn’t wanna settle down and they were happy with that, see.”

Andy nodded, “But what about Millie, I thought you had an understanding now?”

“Sure, we do, and you know why I think Millie is the only gal I could marry?”

Andy just waited for the reply… his eyes fixed on jess’s face.

“Because we started off as best friends when we were real young, just like you and Amy. Those are good times Andy. Don’t rush into being grown up too quickly. Just wait until you’re both sure the time is right huh.”

Andy gave a small sigh of relief.

“I think you’re right… and I think maybe she was just pretending to be keen because she thought that’s what I wanted.”

“You could be right,” Jess agreed.

Then grinning, “But it don’t hurt to keep ‘em happy. They love all that romantic stuff ya know?”

“Like what?” Andy asked.

“Well, how’s about you write her a little note, sayin’ how much you miss her…write it now an’ Mose will take it on the afternoon stage.”

Andy beamed at him and ran off to his room to fetch pen and paper, before pausing at the door and saying, “Gee thanks Jess, you’re just the best.”

Jess grinned back and had a glimpse of the 12-year-old kid he had first met all those years ago. 

OOOOOOO

By the time the others rolled home, supper was well on the way courtesy of Jess and Andy. Mike dashed in looking flushed and happy and said what a swell time he’d had, followed more sedately by Daisy and Santa, Slim following on.

Jess came in from the kitchen where he’d been peeling potatoes for supper and grinning threw an arm around Mike’s shoulders and addressing Jonesy said, “So how’d it go, Santa? Fed yer reindeer before you came in, I hope.”

“Oh, Jess don’t tease him,” Daisy said protectively, “I think Jonesy was the best Santa we’ve ever had.”

Then looking more closely at the old timer Jess said in amazement, “Gee, you enjoyed it didn’t ya!”

“So, what if I did?” Jonesy said belligerently, “They were darned nice kids, polite too and the parents were real nice as well. Just doin’ my bit for the community, no call to go laughing like a numbskull,” he added as Jess tried to control his mirth.

“Come on Hotshot, help me put the horses up,” Slim said quickly defusing the situation.

Once they were in the barn he turned to Jess and said, “Well how’d you get on with Andy?”

“Huh…oh that yeah, fine,” Jess said turning to lead the horse into her stall.

“Is that all you’ve got to say…what did he want to talk about huh?”

Jess sighed and turning said, “You know the first thing he said to me?”

“Well no of course not, dang it! That’s what I’m trying to find out,” Slim said fast losing his patience. 

“I’ll tell ya, he said, ‘Please don’t tell Slim’.”

Slim looked hurt at that and said, “Why ever not? He’s not in trouble is he?”

“Nah, because he thinks you’ll laugh at him and not take him seriously, that’s why not.”

“So, are you going to tell me?” Slim asked, ignoring the comment, but in his heart knowing there as a grain of truth in it.

Jess sighed, “So, yer asking me to betray confidences now, are ya?”

“No... yes, well I don’t know.” Slim said looking anxious.

“Well, I guess I didn’t really promise I wouldn’t say anything, so I’ll just say don’t worry about him. He’s a sensible kid. I gave him good advice and I figure he’s gonna follow it OK?”

Slim sighed, “Okay…I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“Here’s an idea for ya,” Jess said sarcastically, “why dontcha just sit the boy down and talk to him, huh?”

Slim looked down, “Yeah, you’re right of course, it’s what Pa would have done.”

It was later that night when the men were getting ready to turn in, that Jess said, “Well did you talk to Andy?” 

Slim nodded, “Yup we had a good chat together when we were washing up and you were all having coffee. Once I explained that I wasn’t going to judge, but would take him seriously, he opened up and told me everything.”

“Good, I thought he might.”

Slim sank down on his bed and stared across at where Jess was now stretched out on his own, hands laced behind his head.

“I want to thank you,” Slim said sincerely.

“Oh?”

“The way you dealt with a…well a real sensitive subject. Andy told me exactly what you said and I couldn’t have dealt with it better myself, thanks.”

“That’s OK, “Jess said sleepily.

“And there’s something else too Jess. I want to thank you for making me realise why the kid didn’t want to talk to me in the first place. From now on I aim to treat Andy as the young man he is.”

Then there was a thud and wild laughter from the room next door where Andy was sharing with Mike. 

 “Yeah, you do that,” Jess said with a chuckle before he rolled over and fell asleep.

Slim smiled in the darkness; sure, his little brother was growing up fast…but maybe not too fast.

Chapter 3

The night before, they had arranged to set off before dawn on the turkey shoot.

Slim awoke in good time and after some chivvying, Jess was finally stirring. He sat on the edge of his bed peering around him as though he’d never seen the room before, scratching and yawning.

“Come on pard shake a leg,” Slim said, already fully dressed, and heady for the bedroom door, “I’ll just check on Mike and Andy.”

In the end they left Mike sleeping peacefully and figured he’d forgive them once he awoke and realised how dang cold it was outside.

“We don’t want him catching a chill just before Christmas,” Slim said.

Then turning to his brother said, “Are you sure you want to come with us Andy?”

“Try and stop me,” the youngster said cheerfully.

Once Slim was sure the boy was well wrapped up against the bitter cold, they let themselves quietly out of the ranch house and across the freezing yard to saddle up.

By the time they reached the far boundary of the north pasture, where they knew there was a good place for turkeys to roost, it was even colder with the threat of snow in the air as the wind got up.

They dismounted about half a mile from the dense thicket that the wild birds favoured, keeping down-wind and walking silently in single file…Indian style.

As they drew near, Jess, in the lead, put a hand up to stop them and gestured that they should hunker down behind some holly bushes to await dawn to break. 

As soon as the first light of day filtered through the trees, they heard movement.

“You gonna try a pot shot?” Jess asked Andy winking at the youngster.

He shook his head, “No you do it Jess I’m a bit rusty…no call for too much shooting back in St Lois.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a grin and then Slim whispered, “You go first Jess I’ll follow through if you miss.

Then just moments later there was the clatter of wings as the birds took to the sky, flying off towards the emerging sun…all save one, which Jess shot cleanly.

The large bird plummeted to the ground and Andy yelled in triumph, “Well done Jess, I knew you’d get a whopper!”

He ran off to fetch it…and stuffed it in the gunny sack Jess had provided, just as the wind suddenly got up even more strongly and snow began falling at a dizzying speed.

They were a good hour’s ride from the ranch house and looking around him Slim said, “Shall we make for Oliver’s Cave until this squall passes over.”

Jess and Andy nodded in agreement and mounting up the three headed a little way further north to find shelter.

When they arrived, they led their mounts into the huge cavern and settled down to sit out the blizzard.

Jess wandered about at the back of the cave and finally returned with the makings of a camp fire. Before long they were all settled around the crackling flames with a welcome hot drink.

“So why is it called Oliver’s Cave?” Andy asked looking around at the huge space, “I never really knew.”

“He was an old Padre who decided to, ‘leave the bitter cruel world behind’…his words. He spend his lifetime praying for the souls of the evil men and women that abounded on this earth.’”

 “Sounds like a bundle of laughs,” Jess said.

“Yeah well, I never met him…he died before I was born. But Ma and Pa had dealings with him…let him stay on the land when they bought it.”

“So, he was a sort of hermit?” Andy asked his eyes alive with interest.

“I guess so yeah, he sure didn’t welcome visitors,” Slim said laughing. “Pa said he nearly got his head blown off a couple of times when he was just calling to check the old man was OK.”

Looking around him again Andy said, “This was the place we camped out when we went on the turkey shoot together that time, do you remember Jess?”

Jess looked kind of apprehensive and said, “Oh yeah, I’d forgotten about that.”

Slim looked up and gave his pard a weak grin.

“Jeez, I thought Andy was a bundle of trouble until you rode in…and you were even worse! Heck that was the time you two went off to shoot a turkey and you came back all beat up, and Andy had a broken wrist.”

“Oh no Slim, it wasn’t broken,” Andy said quickly, “just sprained.”

Slim rolled his eyes.

Then looking over to Jess said, “You never did tell me exactly what happened that day.”

“No because you were so dang mad at me you didn’t give me a chance,” Jess said with spirit.

“Oh yeah, I remember now. We’d had words and eventually Jonesy said we should just bury the hatchet seeing as it was nearly Christmas. He didn’t want a bad atmosphere hanging over the place, so we never mentioned it again.”

“Ha, he’d have buried that dang hatchet in the back of my head given half the chance,” Jess said scowling.

The others laughed at that.

“I guess Jonesy didn’t like you too much when you first arrived,” Andy agreed. 

“Well, you sure got that one right,” Jess said.

Slim smiled, “Well I guess you’ve grown on him. He actually told me last night, how good it was to see what a swell partner you’ve made, and how really good the old place is lookin

Jess looked surprised, but gratified.

“Come on then,” Slim said indulgently, “spill the beans on what did really happen on that turkey shoot?”

Jess sipped his coffee and looked out into the middle distance beyond the cave and remembered back to that long ago time when he’d been at the ranch a scant few months, and Andy was just twelve years of age.

 “Well, it was this way,” he started…

He’d been ill with a real bad cold… Maybe it was because he wasn’t used to the Wyoming weather, but it had gotten on his chest and he was quite sick for a little while. 

Well back then it was old Doc Johnson and he’d just said ‘You rest young man or you’ll get really sick.’

So of course, Jess had ignored him and got really sick.

However, by the time Christmas was on the horizon he was out of his sickbed, and then Slim had succumbed to the nasty bug and was in no fit state to take Andy on the turkey shoot.

“Well, I can go, can’t I?” Jess said as he and Andy sat around Slim in his sickbed.

“I don’t know,” Slim said looking anxious, “It looks like snow out there, casting a glance towards the bedroom window, “and you really don’t know the territory up across the north pasture too well yet Jess.”

That was true he’d only been at the ranch a few months and hadn’t covered all of the large acreage yet.

“That’s the whole point,” Andy said hopefully, “I can show him, I know where those ol’ turkeys roost.”

Then Jonesy was there having sidled into the room looking warily at the ‘no good drifter’ as he often termed Jess.

“I reckon you should leave it Andy…we can just as well kill one of the hens for Christmas.”

Andy, Slim and Jess all turned stunned eyes on the old timer.

Then Slim finally said, “Sure Andy you show Jess where to find them…but set off early and back by noon …OK?”

All was well at first and they headed off before dawn, just as they had done that morning.

Everything had gone to plan…Jess had shot down a bird with no problem and as usual Andy was impressed by his gun skill.

Again, like that day, snow had been threatening and Jess had turned to the boy and said, “Come on Andy let’s get this old fellah home before we dang well freeze to death, huh.”

That’s when they had heard gunfire close by, followed by the sound of galloping horses and the lowing of a reluctant steer being moved.

“Dang it that sounds like we’ve got rustlers,” Jess said peering off to the distance where he could just make out some riders.

“You stay here, I mean it Andy,” he said firmly, “and if I ain’t back by the time the sun’s properly up go home and tell Slim, OK?”

Before Andy could argue Jess was already spurring Traveller off towards the activity about half a mile away, near the boundary fence.

He was soon hot on the tail of the two outlaws, who when they saw him storming after him abandoned the steer they had appropriated and were now making a hasty escape.

However, Traveller easily outran the hindmost rustler and with a flying leap from the saddle Jess easily downed the rider. They rolled around on the icy ground for a minute or so and Jess was just about to punch the man when he cried out in fear.

“Please don’t hit me Mr Jess… I’m sorry, so sorry…”

Jess lowered the clenched fist and then grabbing the boy by the shoulders, dragged him up and looked at him in anger; etched with surprise.

“Why Robbie Grant, what in hell do ya think yer playing at!”

The youngster looked down, close to tears.

“I’m real sorry,” he said again. “But Bull said as how you wouldn’t miss one ol’ scrawny steer, but it would make all the difference to us at Christmas. He said you’d probably not notice he’d gone,” he added shuffling his feet in embarrassment.

“Oh, he did, did he?” Jess said now clearly furious. In fact, he was so busy yelling at the miserable kid that he didn’t notice that his brother Bull had turned back. Now he cantered up and jumping from the saddle leapt on Jess catching him unawares. He fell hard and the weight of the hefty Bull pinned him down as the young man let fly with a volley of punches aimed at Jess’s head.

It took a little time before Jess managed to bring his knees up and catapult Bull off of him…and then he started retaliating. The young man was as huge and strong as a bull and as Jess traded blows with him, he knew that it was only his own agility and speed that was keeping him from being massacred. However, he was tiring as Bull let fly giving him a bloody nose and then a black eye.

Robbie was getting more and more anxious and, in the end, he appealed to his older brother, pushing himself between the two men.

“Bull, will ya stop it… this is Mr Jess, he ain’t about to hurt me none.”

The older man finally stopped throwing punches, looking almost as bruised and battered as Jess, the vacant look receding from his eyes as he focused on Jess who was swaying, sweating and bleeding before him.

As reality kicked in, he gasped. “Jeez I’m real sorry Mr Jess I didn’t know it was you…I just did see someone yelling at my little brother and I guess I saw red.” 

“Well, who the hell did you think to find on Sherman land,” Jess growled angrily, “and what do you think you’re doing rustling our prime stock…huh…huh?” he yelled belligerently.

Bull sank down to his knees a broken man and it was Robbie who replied…

“See it’s this way Mr Jess, with Pa dyin’ from the fever a few months back and me getting sick with the fever too…we kinda found ourselves in debt. Well, old Bull here ain’t too good at working for other folk, and so we’ve hit bad times, real bad times. Now Ma is sitting weepin’ all the time and we ain’t got food on the table, no siree…I wouldn’t lie, really, I wouldn’t, Mr Jess. Then Bull suggested this, well you don’t argue with Bull once he gets a notion to do something…you know?”

Jess ran a hand over his blooded face and nodded, “I figure you don’t, no.”

“So, I went along with it…just to try and cheer ma up, give her some sorta Christmas,” he finished hanging his head.

Then it was Bull’s turn to plead.

“Please Mr Jess, don’t tell Sheriff Cory, he done said if I get in anymore trouble, he’s gonna lock me up and throw the key away.”

“Well, that’s what you deserve ain’t it!” Jess yelled.

“I guess so, but I promise you I’m done with trouble making,” the big man said, “you give me this one chance Mr Jess and I swear on Ma’s life I’ll change.”

Jess just stared at him. Hell, he’d been given a chance by Slim hadn’t he … and a second and third, the way he’d messed up on occasion. So, who was he to play God now?

“No more robbin’ and you get a job Bull, learn to take orders, huh?”

“I promise Mr Jess, honest I do.”

“OK here’s what we do…you collect that steer, put him back where he belongs and mend the fence…and I’ll try to forget I ever saw you…deal?”

The two brothers nodded vigorously and shook hands with him, thanking him profusely. 

Then Jess called them back and taking some money out of his wallet stuffed it in Robbie’s shirt pocket, “You treat yer old Ma and have a good Christmas OK.”

“Gee thanks Mr Jess,” Robbie said his eyes wide in surprise and pleasure.

“Yeah, well just don’t tell anyone.” he replied gruffly, “I don’t want folk thinkin’ I’m getting soft.”

Bull threw him a rueful look rubbing his painful jaw, “Oh no Mr Jess, I don’t reckon anyone would think that of you…You sure throw a mean punch,” he added before wandering off to  collect the steer and mend the fence. 

Once Jess was satisfied with their work and the steer had been caught and reinstated, he suddenly remembered Andy and rode back to the turkey thicket, just as the snow started falling.

He found a very agitated Andy standing just where he’d left him looking not a little lost.

“Gee Jess, I thought you were never coming back,” he called out as Jess rode up. Then he gasped in shock as his hero dismounted.

“Heck what happened to you?” he asked, noting Jess’s bloody nose and fast closing black eye.

“Just a little trouble back there a couple of kids tryin’ to rustle our stock but I saw them off.”

“Gosh Jess are you sure they’ve gone? Did you recognise them?”

“Yup they’ve gone,” Jess said neatly sidestepping the other question. “So, are we takin’ this dang turkey home or what, because I ain’t standin’ around freezin’ my butt off here any longer,” he added, “this snows kinda chilly ain’t it?” He grinned looking up to where it was now snowing in earnest.

However, they had only been riding a matter of minutes before it became clear that the snow storm was fast turning into a blizzard.

“There’s this big cave about a mile that away,” Andy said yelling above the wind and pointing northwards.

Jess nodded and gestured for him to carry on that way.

After a little while as the terrain became rougher Jess took the lead, checking out the ground as it was now quite hard going. Sometime later he called a halt as he looked down quite a steep incline and said, “I think we should dismount Andy it looks kinda slippery.”

Whether the boy didn’t hear or just decided to ignore the suggestion he never knew, but as Jess dismounted Andy went on past him…and then just seconds’ later disaster struck as Flash lost his footing and started sliding down the slippery slope. Andy tried to hang on but as the pony desperately tried to regain his footing the boy was thrown, hitting the icy ground with a sickening thud.

Jess was at his side in seconds as the youngster cried out in pain, “It’s my wrist Jess I think I’ve bust it…” he cried.

Jess cussed softly and then said, “How far is this cave, Andy?”

“Just there he said pointing to a large rocky outcrop a few hundred yards away.

Jess quickly hoisted the boy up on Traveller. Then led him down to the bottom of the bank where he collected Flash, none the worse for his adventure. Then he strode on towards the cave, only just visible through the now even denser snowfall.

Once inside Jess took the horses to the back and settled them and then returned to check on Andy who had hunkered down on a rock near the cave mouth.

“Ain’t busted,” he said smiling a few moments later, “just a real nasty sprain Andy.”

“Sure feels busted,” Andy muttered fighting back tears of pain.

Jess fetched some old rags from his saddlebag and then brought some snow in and soaked the material in the icy cold crystals before tying it securely around Andy’s wrist.

“Jeepers that’s cold,” Andy cried out.

“Supposed to be,” Jess said, “it’ll stop the swelling and ease the pain some too.” Then he took off his bandana and fashioned a sling for the damaged arm.

“Gee thanks Jess,” the boy said, shivering.

Jess noticed a ring of stones by the cave mouth where there had clearly been a fire in the past…and he asked Andy about it.

Andy nodded and said, “That’s where Slim builds a fire when we camp out in here…there’s plenty of kindling and logs at the back.”

Jess raised an eyebrow, “There are?” and went to investigate.

He came back with an armful of wood and grinning said. “Yikes there’s enough timber stored back there to keep a blaze going for a week,” and he set to laying the fire at once.

“Yeah, well Slim makes me collect wood every dang time we pass this way,” he replied sulkily.

Jess grinned, “Well fer once I’m kinda glad your big brother is so dang fussy about stuff... sure saved our bacon today, it’s gone mighty cold.”

He soon had the coffee pot on and was pleased to see the youngster was looking brighter once he had a hot drink inside him.

It was mid afternoon before the snow eased off enough for them to make the journey back to the ranch and nearly dark by the time they finally rode into the yard.

Jess had insisted on Andy riding double with him as he sure didn’t want the kid to suffer another fall. As it was, he nodded off half way home, worn out from the shock and pain of the nasty injury, Jess figured.

As soon as he rode in, the front door flew open and Slim burst out yelling blue murder.

“Where in hell have you been all this time,” he cried, “I told you noon at the latest.”

Then his gaze rested on a very sleepy Andy resting back against Jess and he said, “What’s wrong with the boy is he hurt?”

“I’m OK Slim,” Andy said suddenly aware they were home, “it’s just a sprain Jess says…”

“Oh, he does, does he…so when was he a doctor, huh?” Slim barked looking even angrier.

“Will ya quit yellin’ and help the boy down,” Jess said now losing his own temper.

Andy was gently handed down and then born away by Jonesy saying he’d check the kid out himself.

Jess dismounted and leaving the gunnysack with the turkey on the porch turned and led the horses across to the barn feeling really bad. He was tired, hurting from his fight with Bull and bitterly cold to boot.

“Don’t walk away I haven’t finished with you yet,” Slim yelled, his worry about Andy making him uncharacteristically aggressive.

“Well, I’ve finished,” Jess yelled over his shoulder, “my old horse here is cold, tired and hungry and I aim to tend him, you wanna talk to me then come in the barn.”

Slim went back inside for his jacket and then followed Jess over.

He found him rubbing down his mount by the light of a lamp suspended from a beam above the stall and that’s when he saw the state of Jess’s face.

That was the last straw, “You’ve been fighting!” he accused. Then his eyes narrowing, “Dang it did you call in to town on the way back…have you been in another saloon brawl?”

Jess’s eyes flashed in anger, “No I ain’t…I got this stopping some wannabe rustlers taking one of our prime steers.”

That stopped Slim in his tracks, “Rustlers did you say?”

“Yeah, but it’s OK I stopped them and got the critter back too.”

“You stopped them…so did you take them in to the Sheriff?”

“Uh, no, well they kinda escaped,” Jess said looking away.

“So how many were there?” Slim asked frowning.

“Just the two youngsters…”

“So, you’re telling me you couldn’t detain two youngsters? Hell Jess, I’ve seen you fell half a dozen men in a fight…you just let them go didn’t you!”

Jess sighed feeling heartily sick of the interrogation, “OK yes I did, they brought the critter back mended the fence…so…”

“So, you let them go,” Slim said angrily. “So, who were they, you knew them didn’t you.”

Jess just looked down and said nothing.

“God damn it they were old friends weren’t they,” Slim yelled, “some of your friends from the owl hoot trail, weren’t they?”

Jess just rolled his eyes, “Don’t be stupid, of course they weren’t.”

“Is that how Andy got hurt?” he asked changing tack, “Did he try and fight them too huh? Hell, I trusted you to look out for him Jess!”

“And I did!” Jess yelled back. “I made sure he stayed well away from the action. He just took a tumble off of Flash on some slippery terrain, I did warn him, told him to dismount, but I guess he didn’t hear me.”

Slim looked slightly mollified at that, “OK I believe you.”

“Well, that’s big of you,” Jess muttered, now turning his attentions to Flash.

“This isn’t over though,” Slim said angrily, “I’m going to check on Andy, we’ll talk later.”

Jess muttered something very rude and physically impossible under his breath, but Slim thankfully didn’t hear.

By the time he returned to the house Jonesy had checked the sprained wrist and re-dressed it and Andy was sitting by the fire sipping some hot milk and looking mutinous.

“I’m telling you Slim, none of this is Jess’s fault. He saw off those no-good rustlers and then tended me real good when I fell off Flash. And we’re back late because we holed up in Oliver’s Cave because of the snow storm.”

“That’s all well and good,” Slim said, but then turning as Jess entered the room. “But why won’t he tell me why he let those no-good outlaws get away, huh?”

Then he said, “Well Jess, are you going to tell me?”

Jess never missed a beat, “No I ain’t!” he yelled.

Then Jonesy came in from the kitchen at the raised voices and for once sided with Jess.

“Look Slim as far as I can see there’s no real harm done. The boy saw them off and got the critter back…didn’t he...”

Addressing Jess said, “And for a no-good drifter you did a pretty good job on the kid’s wrist too. Just what I’d have done myself.” he added. “Saved him a lot of pain and it’ll heal quicker thanks to your fast treatment Jess.”

Then turning to Slim said, “So shall we just bury the hatchet, huh…it’s nearly Christmas and I don’t want a bad atmosphere hanging around.”

Slim looked down flushing and then back over to Jess, “Maybe I did kinda over reacted pard…sorry,” he said softly and offered his hand.

Jess took a deep breath and then shook it. “Sure, it’s OK,” he replied.

Now, all these years later, they were again sitting in Oliver’s Cave, taking shelter from the fast-falling snow.

 Slim looked astounded.“Damn it Jess why the hell didn’t you tell me it was the Grant boys at the time.” Then shaking his head said, “Jeez, you tangled with Bull then, no wonder you were a mess.”

“He sure don’t take no prisoners,” Jess said chuckling at the memory.

“Why did they call him, Bull?” Andy asked.

“Well, he was Baptised Wayne after his Pa, but by the time he was five years old he was the size of a ten-year-old and built like a bull,” Slim said grinning.

“Yeah, well his Pa had died not long before and his old Ma was grieving real bad,” Jess said taking up the story. “Bull was on a final warning from Mort, to stay out of trouble or he’d be spending the foreseeable in the jail. I figured his old ma didn’t need that on top of everything else…they were real poor…and hell it was Christmas,” he finished quietly.

Slim grinned at him, “You’re a real nice guy you know, and don’t believe all those folk who say different,” he added laughing and punching his pard gently on the arm.” Then quietly, “I’m real sorry I gave you such a hard time back then Jess.”

Jess just shrugged, “I guess you didn’t know me too well, I had to work some to gain yer trust.”

Then looking out of the cave he brightened, “Snow’s stopping shall we go home?”

It was later that night when the story was taken up again. Daisy and the boys were all abed and just Slim, Jess and Jonesy sat before the roaring fire having a final coffee before turning in.

Slim had related the story to Jonesy and he was equally astonished when it was all explained to him.

“That was a real kind thing to do boy,” he said quietly.

Then his eyes narrowed, “So did you help them out some too, money wise maybe?” he asked.

Jess had omitted the fact that he gave some cash to the poverty-stricken youngsters and now just looked innocent and said, “What do you mean?”

“Oh, just that when I was in the mercantile on Christmas Eve that year, young Robbie and Bull were in there, paid off their bill and still had cash over to buy some Christmas food. Then their ma was sporting a smart new bonnet on Christmas morning in Church. She was looking real chipper.”

Two pairs of eyes focused on Jess, “And I gave you your wages that day too, so you could shop before Christmas,” Slim said.

Jess merely shrugged, but said nothing.

Slim and Jonesy exchanged a little smile but said no more… both knowing why he’d helped the Grant family. After the awful life of poverty he’d endured as a kid growing up, it made perfect sense he’d want to help someone in similar circumstances, they knew that.

“One good thing anyway,” Slim said, “that Bull never did cross the line again. I guess he’s the most law-abiding citizen in Laramie now…so at least he kept his promise to you Jess.”

“That’s true.” Jonesy said. Then looking thoughtful, “Wasn’t that the Christmas when you high-tailed it off sayin’ you were helping Mort out on some secret mission? You left the week before Christmas, just after the turkey shoot business, and then turned up on Christmas Eve when all the preparations were done, dang it!”

Jess jumped up from his chair, “I guess that’s another story,” he grinned, before heading for bed.

Chapter 4

The next day was the day of the Carolling and all was hustle and bustle. Every other year the Minister had to attend Christmas events at Cheyenne as his ministry was shared between the two towns…on the year when he wasn’t present the local ranchers had their own lay services and celebrations. The most popular being the Christmas Carolling, where all the ranchers rode around the different properties singing carols, drinking a toast at each stop and even having the odd impromptu sermon. Then all finally landed at the Sherman Ranch where there was always a warm welcome, food, drink, music and dancing provided in the Dutch barn by the entrance to the home pasture. Slim’s Pa before him had always hosted the event, but now with the new barn it was even more comfortable and pleasant.

Daisy had been busy baking for the event and she knew that all her friends and neighbours would bring good food and drink too. Now she surveyed the long trestle tables the men had placed in the barn along with a small fire pit ready to be lit to add extra comfort for the partygoers.

“It looks wonderful she said smiling happily, “now I must just go and get those apple pies out of the oven,” she added before moving off at speed.

Jess shook his head in wonder, “I dunno where she gets her energy from,” he said grinning across at Slim who was just putting the final touch to a string of lamps he’d placed around the dining area.

Slim smiled, “She’s just happy I guess… A bit different to the last time we had the carolling here, the year before last,” he added, suddenly looking sombre. 

Jess sighed deeply “Yeah, it wasn’t a bundle of laughs for any of us was it…and he cast his mind back to that terrible time.

It was the week before Christmas when Jess had a bad fall from his horse, hitting his head so badly that he was in a coma for several days with all at the ranch fearing for his life. He lay perfectly still, never moving an inch, but mentally his mind was racing as he desperately searched for the meaning of Christmas. Somewhere in his damaged brain he felt that if he could just find Christmas all would be well and he would survive. He sought the elusive truth high and low throughout his past…and failed to find what he was looking for until finally it happened.

He was dreaming again. He suddenly found himself at the edge of the lake. It was night time and bitterly cold with a silvery moonlight illuminating a thin sprinkling of snow. He looked across the calm, mirror-like lake with the moonlight shimmering beguilingly upon it. Then up to the hills beyond where the cave was situated. Many a picnic or night fishing camp had been enjoyed up there and now he had an urge to visit it once more.

As he circumnavigated the lake, he became aware of a star rising above him. Significantly brighter and larger than the myriad other stars in the sky. It seemed to be hovering above the cave.

Intrigued he moved on at a greater pace until he arrived at the lakeside just below the steep path up to the cave. Now the light from the single star seemed to bathe the whole lake and surrounding area in its all-enveloping radiance.

Puzzled, he made his way carefully up the steep hillside until he reached the mouth of the cave and stood on the threshold peering in at the scene set before him.

At first his face was a picture of surprise, his quirky eyebrows raised in astonishment. This quickly followed by disbelief and then finally his countenance radiated complete and utter wonder.

A tall bearded man beckoned and he entered before falling to one knee beside the crib.

Then, as he had done so often before, with his baby brother and sister, he offered a finger for the tiny, perfect, infant to grasp.

Lying there so peacefully in his straw bed the baby immediately turned towards him and obliged by grasping his finger and holding it tightly. Then he looked deeply into Jess’s eyes and smiled a beatific smile of pure love and compassion...and that’s when he knew he had finally found Christmas.

The rest of the vision was as a blur. He had looked up and seen the serene love in the Mother’s eyes. She was a young woman, dressed in blue, her gaze never leaving her tiny offspring’s face. Then he saw several other rough and ready working men kneeling by the crib, all with expressions of deep adoration on their weather-beaten faces as they gazed upon the infant.

Eventually one of the men came forward and taking Jess by the arm gently raised him up and said quietly, “It’s time to go.”

He was struck by an overwhelming feeling of sadness at having to leave...but then, the following words made his heart leap with joy. “You have found what you were seeking and now it’s time to go home Jess,” the man at his side said softly as he led him back to the cave entrance.

Jess looked back one last time at the tableau and taking a deep breath turned away and made his way back down the track, his arm still in the other man’s warm grip, supporting him.

When he reached the bottom of the path he looked out across the moonlit lake and thought his heart might burst with joy. He was going home. But he had seen something so special that night that the wonder of it would remain with him all his life... and now he was homeward bound.

He stood there and took another deep breath closed his eyes and then he opened them...

He could still feel the grip of the stranger who had so kindly escorted him down the path and he turned his head to thank him and saw Slim sitting there grasping his arm. The look of love and compassion in his eyes oh so familiar. (See #85 Finding Christmas, for full story)

Now he looked back into those kindly blue eyes and said softly, “It all ended real good though didn’t it pard.”

Slim nodded, “Thank God! And thanks for sharing that vision you had Jess. It was really special.”

Then peering at his buddy he asked, “Do you still feel the same, still really intense? You said you’d never forget seeing the Christ child.”

“That I won’t,” Jess confirmed quietly, “I guess that ‘vision’ as you call it will remain with me forever.”

Slim sighed and said again, “I just thank God, you made it.”

Jess looked startled, “You thought I wouldn’t?”

Slim shook his head sadly, “You were so dang still Jess, like you were already dead. Hell, even the doc didn’t hold out much hope, said to prepare ourselves for the worst.”

Jess looked astonished, “Gee I didn’t realise it was that bad for you folk…”

“We didn’t know what to do about this,” he said, tipping his head to the festively decorated barn, “but everyone said to go ahead with it…said it would have been what you wanted.”

Jess grinned now, “And I woke up amid all the celebrations. Remember the Padre came in and started yellin ‘Praise the Lord it’s a miracle!’”

The Padre was a defrocked minister who regularly got drunk and into fights as he made his impromptu sermons to any who would listen.

Slim chuckled, “That’s when the doc threw everyone out of the bedroom. It was like the whole of Laramie pushed in there when Mike told everyone you’d woken up.”

Then Jess looked sadly off to the hills, “It’ll be different in another way too though Slim, won’t be the same without Millie and Lily, will it?”

Slim sobered, “No it won’t that’s for sure, Jess. It’s too bad they’ll be away for Christmas.”

Lily was going home for the holiday as her sister had just had a baby and the little girl was to be christened after Christmas. As for Millie she had promised to go and help her Ma run her boarding house over in Cheyenne for a few days. Mrs Johnson had suffered a nasty bout of flu and was in need of an extra pair of hands over the busy holiday period.

Then Jess rallied, “They’ll be back for New Year, I guess we’ll just have to make the best of that, huh.”

“Not just us either,” Slim said, “Poor Mort’s going to be a sad old bachelor too. He told me Denver James has been real sick with this dang flu too, so Kate Munroe isn’t coming down the mountain for Christmas either as she’d been nursing him. So, he’ll be without his special lady as well.”

“Good job we got our order for moonshine in early before ol’ Denver got sick then,” Jess said.

Slim shook his head and rolled his eyes, “You’re all heart aren’t you, Jess!”

He just chuckled, “The old boy will be just fine with Kate on the case…he’ll get well. Heck with Kate in charge he wouldn’t dare do anything else.”

“Well, isn’t that the truth,” Slim agreed happily.

OOOOOOO

The party was a huge success and finally everyone left with their thanks and joyous cries of Merry Christmas hanging in the cold night air.

“Now you youngsters, straight to bed,” Daisy said rounding up Mike and Andy as though they were her chicks.

Then turning to Jess, Slim, Jonesy, and Mort, who was staying over the holiday as usual, said, “And you men shouldn’t be too long away from your beds either, Christmas Eve tomorrow and lots to do.”

Jess chuckled and throwing an arm around her shoulders led her to the house. “Sure, sure Daisy, me and Slim will just make sure Mort and Jonesy have all they need in the bunkhouse and the fire’s going real good, and then we’ll be in.

She threw him a disbelieving glance but never the less said, “Just come in quietly dear, I don’t want you waking Mike.”

Once they were sitting before the blazing stove in the bunkhouse a glass of moonshine each they sighed contentedly. Even Jonesy had been persuaded to imbibe on the understanding that it was purely medicinal, just to keep the cold out.

Now stretching his legs before the fire he said, “You boys sure fell on your feet when you found Miss Daisy…wonderful woman…wonderful cook. I guess you hardly miss me at all,” he added.

“Well sure we do,” Slim and Jess chorused.

“Not just your cooking, either,” Slim said honestly, “but your doctoring, and wise ways too. Heck you were a real help to me and Andy after Ma and Pa passed, couldn’t have managed without you.”

The old man smiled smugly at that and then said, “I bet you missed my cooking before Miss Daisy moved in though. So how did you manage that first Christmas when me and the youngster moved out to St Lois? We couldn’t get back, that first year as I recall…way too expensive on top of the school fees and all.”

Slim and Jess exchanged an amused glance, “Well that sure was a Christmas to remember,” Slim said.

Then he turned to Mort and said, “Wasn’t it Mort.”

The Sheriff grinned and chuckled, “You can sure say that again.”

“Come on,” Jonesy said annoyed at being kept in the dark, “spill the beans what happened that Christmas, huh?”

“Well, it was this way,” Slim said settling back to retell the tale…

Jess had been at the ranch a couple of years and his relationship with Slim was tried and tested. Both men trusted the other implicitly and their friendship was now almost akin to that of brothers… But that wasn’t to say there was constant harmony at the ranch after Jonesy and Andy moved out. The fact was there were frequent arguments about the domestic chores, with them almost coming to blows on several occasions, mainly out of frustration and tiredness. Heck, they had all the yard work and ranching chores to attend to, so washing clothes, cooking and cleaning the house were often sadly neglected.

Now on the run up to Christmas they sat at the kitchen table making a list of food requirements…

“Well, we’ve ordered the grog from Denver James and we’re going on a turkey shoot in a few days…so what else do we need?” Jess asked.

Slim rolled his eyes, “There’s more to Christmas food than a turkey and hill whiskey Jess. For a start there’s other things we need to go with the turkey…and we’ve got to cook the dang thing too,” he said, chewing the end of his pencil.

“Well, how hard can it be?” Jess said, “You just stuff it and ram it in the slow cooker overnight, don’t ya?”

“Stuff it with what?” Slim asked.

“Well, I dunno, stuffin’,” said Jess vaguely.

“Then there are all sorts of other things Jonesy used to make like pies, a Christmas pudding all that sort of thing. Heck Jess what we need to deal with all this is a woman.”

“Yeah,” Jess said reflectively, remembering that his good friend Millie had gone off to spend Christmas with her Ma and brother. At this stage of their relationship Jess and Millie weren’t committed to each other but they were real good friends and he’d miss her over the holiday.

“I sure need Millie right now,” he said longingly.

“I don’t mean that sort of need,” Slim said. “I mean a woman who can organise us, cook up a storm. Sure, Millie’s a lovely gal, but she isn’t any great shakes in the cooking department, is she buddy?”

“Well, that’s never bothered me too much, she sure makes up for it in other ways,” he said winking. “Anyway, she ain’t here,” he added sadly.

“There’s Widow Brown,” Slim said hopefully, “she’s always after coming over and ‘sorting us boys out’ as she says.”

Jess shuddered, “Widow Brown is after husband number three,” he said wincing.

“Oh yeah, I’d forgotten that,” Slim said.

“Trouble is all the gals that we’d kinda find easy on the eye and would like to stay over can’t cook,” Jess said.

“Yeah, and all the decent nice girls that can cook wouldn’t stay out here with us over the holiday anyway, wouldn’t think it proper,” Slim asserted.

“Yeah,” Jess agreed, “and iffen they did they’d expect to be hearing dang Wedding bells  in the spring and be after buying a crib,” and he rolled his eyes… “It just ain’t worth the risk for a Christmas dinner Slim.” 

 “Precisely,” Slim said, “so I guess it’s down to us buddy. He perused the list... “Turkey…whiskey…uh what else do we need?”

One or two friends and neighbours offered help, in fact their nearest neighbours, the Pattersons and the Jacksons offered them a place at their table on Christmas day. However, both families had ‘way too many dang noisy kids’ according to Jess, and Slim had to agree, so they politely turned down the offer saying they were just fine.

A couple of days before Christmas found the huge turkey Jess had bagged still sitting on the kitchen table its dead eyes seeming to stare morosely at him. Jess had abandoned plucking the bird and was now pouring over one of Slim’s Ma’s cook books.

Meanwhile Slim was attempting to make mince pies. He had been given a jar of mincemeat by Widow Brown, but was trying to make the pastry. There were copious amounts of flour all over the table and turkey, some on Jess’s shirt and more on Slim’s face.

“Will you quit spilling that flour all over the shop,” Jess said sharply.

Slim bit back a comment and returned to where he was attempting to rub the fat and flour together.

Receiving no response Jess said, “And get a move on will ya, I want to bake this Christmas cake.”

“Me get a move on,” Slim barked, angry now. “Hell, you should have thought of that months ago… Jonesy cooked it in the fall and then added whiskey every week…used a knitting needle to make holes and dripped the hooch in…made it real moist he said.”

“Made it real lethal,” Jess rejoined grinning now. “Hey maybe I could just add the whiskey into the cake mix do ya think that would work, huh?”

But he was never to find out what Slim thought.

There was a sudden rap on the back door and it flew open revealing a tall beautiful, woman, with dark hair and wearing eastern style riding gear.

Jess had drawn his gun at the sudden intrusion, but quickly replaced it and stared at the shapely vision before him. 

She seemed to recover quickly from having a gun waved in her face and said, “Well hello there. Sorry to just barge in this way, but thought I should introduce myself…I’m staying over at the old Benson place over the ridge,” she said waving vaguely behind her.

Slim was the first to react and smiling said, “Please come in ma’am take a seat,” he said throwing the cat off one of the kitchen chairs and pulling it out for her.

The woman cast a glance around her at the utter chaos and said, “Well thank you, I won’t stop, I can see you’re busy.”

“You’re not from these parts ma’am,” Jess said finally finding his voice and stating the obvious

“No,” she agreed. “I’m from Scotland in Great Britain. Well originally London…but then I married and so it’s Scotland now. Fiona Compton-Mackenzie,” she said, offering a hand and smiling into Jess’s eyes.

Once the introductions were over and coffee offered and accepted, Slim said, “So what brings you to these parts then ma’am?”

“Oh, call me Fee,” she said cheerfully, “everyone does. I’m a writer,” she said smiling, “and needed a bolt hole…peace and quiet you see.”

“Ah so you’re writing one of those romantic novels, are ya?” Jess assumed, knowing that Millie enjoyed them.

“Well not exactly, Jess, it’s actually a work on Sociology, you know the study of people, culture and society?”

Jess’s eyes had glazed over, “Uh-huh.”

“It’s quite simple really,” she said, “I’m just writing about the kind of lives the people out here live. The pioneer spirit, that kind of thing,” she said brightly. “You know…how they broke new ground, forged ahead with new ventures…so exciting!”

“Oh yeah got a lot of the old pioneer spirit around here,” Jess said dryly, “Ol’ Slim there is bein’ real pioneering. I guess he’s been breaking new ground with his pastry making.”

“Oh, golly yes,” Fee said looking at the sad state of the men’s attempt at cooking, from the now grey looking pastry to the sad looking turkey.

“So don’t you gentlemen have a little woman?”

“Huh?” Jess asked looking puzzled and wondering if this strange hearty woman was probing into his sex life.

“You know a little woman to come in and do for you?”

“Do for us?” he asked now looking thoroughly alarmed.

“Why yes, a cook, cleaner, a servant you know?”

The light dawned, “Nope,” Slim said, “we don’t get a lot of call for servants in these parts, most folk look after themselves.”

“Oh goodness that would never do for me…I’d be lost without my merry band of servants at the castle.”

“You’ve got a castle?” Jess asked looking stunned.

“Why yes, didn’t I say? I married the laird… sort of Scottish nobility, you know?”

Jess didn’t, but he nodded anyway.

“Dear Charlie, he was such a love,” she said looking sadly into the distance.

“Was?” asked Slim.

“Yes, I’m a widow you see, Charlie died just six months ago. This will be my first Christmas without him,” she said looking tragic, for a moment.

But then she rallied, “Oh dear you don’t want to hear my woes. So that’s why I’m here really. I thought researching a new book would take my mind off things.”

“Well, were real sorry for your loss ma’am,” Jess said quickly.

“Thank you, you’re most kind,” she said briskly, “as has been dear Mort.”

“Mort,” Slim echoed, “Mort Cory… the Sheriff?”

“Oh yes, didn’t I say? He is my cousin. Well to be honest a second cousin twice removed; I think. We shared the same great grand papa I believe. Dear Charlie was very keen on genealogy… you know family trees? Anyway, I knew he had links to relatives in these parts so I merely telegraphed Mort and told him I was on my way and here I am! He organised the rental property and will doubtless be visiting again soon.”

“Small world,” Slim said.

“Indeed. Now I really mustn’t hold you gentlemen up any longer…I actually called to see if you had a horse that I might hire from you. That nice man um…Bert, at the riding stable has loaned me one. But my dears, he is absolutely dreadful.”

“A bit of a handful, is he?” Jess asked grinning.

“Oh no on the contrary…he’s so slow. I can’t even get a decent trot out of him, really past his prime poor old boy. I just wondered if you had something with more spark that I could rent… something with some zing…you know, a bit of get up and go?”

Jess grinned at her, “Now yer talkin’ my language lady…let’s go look our stock over huh?”

She smiled broadly, then looked thoughtfully at the terribly messy kitchen…and said, “I wonder if you’d be interested in a deal?”

OOOOOOO

Jess and Slim sat before the blazing fire that night a whiskey apiece, admiring the clean tidy room and the recent smell of cooking still emanating from the kitchen.

“I can’t believe she did all that,” Slim said in wonder. “Made the mince pies, cookies and a Christmas cake…not to mention cleaning everything up.”

“And she’s coming back Christmas Eve to prepare the turkey and get it in the oven and then back for the meal Christmas Day too.” Jess said, “And the beauty of it is she ain’t stayin’ around…so widow woman or not she ain’t got designs on us.”

“Jess, that’s an awful thing to say,” Slim said. But then sipping his drink said, “True though… Kind of a shame really, she’d make a real good neighbour popping in every now and again to do a spot of baking.”

“Um, so how old do you reckon she is?”

“Late thirties, maybe forty,” Jess said. “She sits a horse real good, I lent her Banjo, he’s a fast ride, but safe too.”

“Good choice,” Slim said sleepily. “I reckon we got the best of the deal though, lending her Banjo for a few days in return for all that cooking and stuff.”

Early on Christmas morning Fee arrived waving two large bottles of Champagne.

“I thought I’d cook you dear boy’s breakfast and we could have some Buck’s Fizz with it,” she said raising a questioning eyebrow.

Jess looked bewildered until Slim whispered, “Champagne and orange juice.”

Then turning to Fee said, “Except we’re right out of orange juice.”

“Not to worry,” she said grinning. “I think it’s better without to be honest.”

A little later Mort rode in and was made welcome and by the time the Christmas lunch was served they were all the best of friends and as Slim said later it was like they had known Fee all their lives.

She was funny, wise and darned entertaining Mort had said much later that night, when she had been escorted back to the old Benson place by all three men, vying for her attention.

Not only was she beautiful and clever but she was also a damn good cook, so Jess observed as the men sat over a nightcap much later. In fact, all three were totally captivated and not a little in love with Mrs Compton-Mackenzie.

“It would be good if she decided to stay,” Slim said expansively, “really nice to have her as a neighbour…or more.”

“Or she could move in here maybe,” Jess said.

Both men turned to stare at him, “What, marry her you mean?” Slim asked looking shocked.

Jess looked thoughtful, “Well she’s a real beautiful woman…and Jeez that turkey…and the apple pie…and the Christmas Cake…” and they all sighed in ecstasy.

“Of course I should have first claim on her,” Mort said, “seeing as she’s kin and all…”

“Yeah, but you’re a tad old for her,” Jess said reasonably.

“And you’re a dang site too young,” Mort countered.

They finally turned in and the following morning both Slim and Jess were looking a little the worse for wear. However, Mort was right as rain as per usual as he never seemed to suffer from hangovers.

He enjoyed a hearty breakfast before saying he must be on his way, leaving Jess and Slim miserably sipping black coffee.

Now all these years later as they sat before the bunkhouse fire Mort turned to Jonesy and said, “So you see, we had a pretty dang good Christmas after all, thanks to my little cousin… uh twice removed.”

“So, what happened to her?” Jonesy asked grinning. “It sounds to me like all three of you lost your hearts to her.”

“Yeah,” said Jess turning to Mort, “What did become of her? We never clapped eyes on her again…just found Banjo in the barn later that morning with a note saying thank you for a wonderful Christmas and goodbye.”

Now Mort looked slightly embarrassed, “I reckon that was my fault. See I called on her on my way back to town…and well I guess I was still kinda drunk, because I declared my feelings for her…and uh, I might have mentioned that you two were kinda smitten too.”

“You did?” Jess said looking scandalized.

“How could you!” Slim agreed, “Jeez that’s humiliating...what on earth did she say?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Mort said, “just that she had decided to move on to the town of Denver as she’d some kin there she wanted to visit.”

But Slim and Jess knew Mort too well…

“So, what did she really say…about us that is?” Jess persisted.

Mort sighed and then taking another sip of his moonshine said, “She said she was real flattered and we were all real nice gentlemen…but, I was too old for her, Slim was way too staid and sensible, and you, Jess, you were kinda young and excitable.”

“Excitable?” Jess said looking puzzled.

“Uh yeah, she said you seemed to have a way of drawing your gun when she wasn’t expecting it, said it made her a tad nervous. But she really did like us all and was very flattered…and she thought we were all so handsome and special, a real catch for some lady… just not her.”

“And now he tells us!” Jess said laughing and topping up their glasses… “A toast to Mrs Compton-Mackenzie,” he said and they all raised their glasses.

Then Jonesy smiled his enigmatic smile and said, “I think maybe this infatuation might have been born out of the amount of alcohol you had all consumed. Seeing the lovely lady through rose coloured glasses,” he added, “or glasses of Red Eye,” he said laughing at his own joke, “Not to mention her skills in the kitchen department.”

“Nah,” Jess said grinning.

“I reckon not…no,” Slim agreed and then caught his pard’s eye and winked and said, “OK, well maybe Jonesy…maybe, she was a dang good cook after all.”

Chapter 5

The following day the men needed several cups of black coffee before they felt equal to the tasks ahead of them. As it was, Christmas Eve tradition dictated the huge fir tree that they had brought back earlier in the week was dragged into the house. It was then placed, in a large old barrel and put to the side of the fireplace. Then Slim went off to find the ladder and he and Andy went up into the attic to fetch the decorations box down.

“Andy dear, while you’re there, maybe you could sort out the things you’d like to keep, and put them in one of the large boxes up there.”

“Sure, Aunt Daisy,” he called back down, “will do.”

“Why does he hafta do that Aunt Daisy?” Mike asked inquisitively.

“Well, Jess and Slim have promised to spring clean up there after Christmas and I don’t want any of Andy’s special treasures thrown out by mistake.”

“We did?” Jess asked looking pained.

“Oh now, Jess dear, don’t be difficult, you know you and Slim said you’d have a good clear up once you had time. Well, I’m sure there will be plenty of time after all the festivities…especially if we get some snow and you can’t do too much work outdoors.”

There was no answer to that so Jess wandered off to find a broom to clear up the detritus that fell on the floor when the trap door had been opened.

Once all the dust and mess has been cleared up in the room and the box of decorations safely brought down, the boys started dressing the tree. They gasped in pleasure as all the old familiar ornaments were unwrapped and placed carefully on the fir.

Slim was always amazed that his Ma’s fragile glass baubles had survived their journey from the old country and so many Christmases since.

Then some of the decorations Andy and Slim had made as kids were unwrapped and duly admired, followed by more recent ones fashioned by Mike. Finally, the little tableau of the Holy Family with Baby Jesus in his crib, carved by Jess for Mike’s first Christmas was reverently put in pride of place below the tree.

 Everyone stood back and admired the final effect with Daisy declaring it to be the best tree they had ever had, as she did every year. Then Andy said, “You know this reminds me of that first Christmas you were here Jess. Do you recall it? How you rode out the week before Christmas. Jeepers I thought you were gone for good…you just disappeared.”

Jess looked slightly saddened by that, “Hey Andy, I told you I had some business to attend to…said I’d be back.”

“Yeah, I know,” the youngster said, “but back then you were always taking off and we never really new iffen you’d come home or not.”

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Oh, that’s OK,” the boy said philosophically, “it was a long time ago and you did come back…eventually. Just as we were dressing the tree like now,” he grinned.

He was rewarded by a light punch on the arm from Jess and a little wink.

“So where did you disappear to Jess?” Slim asked relaxing back in his chair before the fire, “You never did tell us… Just rode in when Andy and I were dressing the tree, all shot up and dog tired,” he added rolling his eyes.

Mort who had been watching this interaction with interest said, “Well I kept my promise, never to tell them where you went and especially why, Jess. But I guess it’s all a long time ago as Andy says, so I figure it’s safe enough to enlighten them now huh?”

“Oh yes,” Andy and Mike chorused, “tell us the story Jess!”

Jess sighed, but settled back in his chair, remembering that Christmas all those years ago.

Well, it happened this way he remembered…

He’d been at the ranch and relay about five months and it was really starting to feel like home. Sure, he and Slim still had the occasional spat and old Jonesy was a tough nut to crack. Sometimes Jess thought the old man was beginning to warm towards him…but then he’d find fault and refer to him as that ‘no good drifter’ yet again.

As to Andy he still hero worshipped him and if anything, Jess found that even harder to take as he really didn’t think he lived up to the boy’s expectations. Jeez it was hard to be as dang perfect as the kid seemed to think he was.

Anyway, he’d settled down pretty good and was rubbing along OK with the others most of the time, figured he’d got the measure of living on the ranch…and then Christmas came along.

Well, he was still trying to get his head around the dang awful Wyoming winter weather when suddenly everything seemed to be about the forthcoming holiday.

“I dunno why yer making such a fuss,” he said morosely one freezing cold morning when he and Andy were mending tack in the barn. “I mean it’s just another day ain’t it?”

Andy looked incredulous, “Just another day! Are you crazy? Heck Jess, it’s the best day of the year! There’s partying and singing and dancing at the carolling. Then the turkey shoot…finding a real good tree to bring in…putting up the decorations! Then the day itself, all that good food and best of all, the presents!”

Jess raised an eyebrow, “Presents?”

“Why sure we all exchange presents! Its swell I think Slim might be buying me that hunting knife in the mercantile window. I keep dropping hints,” he added grinning cheekily.

Then pausing for breath he said, “So what did you do for Christmas back in Texas then, huh Jess?”

Jess sighed and getting up quickly he headed for the barn door.

“Hey where are you going?” Andy called out looking surprised at his friend’s sudden exit.

“Just remembered I promised Slim I’d check the eastern boundary fence,” he called over his shoulder and a few seconds later the boy heard Traveller trotting out of the yard.

Gee his new friend sure had some odd ways he thought, fancy not being excited about Christmas.

The truth was, Jess had virtually no memories of Christmas on the Texas panhandle as it was rarely celebrated by his family. Living in abject poverty his Pa merely dismissed it as a waste of money. He simply took himself off to the nearest bar as per usual leaving Jess’s Ma to cope as best she could with her brood of five kids. Sure, she made an effort he reflected as he rode over to check the fences. She would save what little she could during the year, to buy them some candy and would sew a new shirt for the boys or dress for the girls. Then she would kill one of their scrawny chickens and make as good a meal as she could. But hell as to all the stuff Andy was spouting about, trees, decorations…presents for goodness sake, it was all alien to him.

The more he rode on the more anxious he began to feel. Heck, he didn’t have any spare cash for presents. Sure, Slim paid pretty decent wages, but by the time he’d put some away for the new bridle he desperately needed for Traveller and bought his round in the saloon on a Saturday night, there wasn’t too much left for a present fund, certainly not at this late date. He treated Andy to candy and the occasional comic when he was in town, but he figured that wouldn’t be acceptable …and what about Slim and old Jonesy? Would they be expecting presents from him? Or even worse would they give him something, and he would have nothing to give in return. The thought haunted him. Hell, he’d always paid his way and he didn’t want…or accept charity. Maybe he could make some excuse, go away for the holiday. He could say he was visiting friends or something?

“What are you crazy…what friends?” Slim said later that night, when they were alone and Jess hatched his plan.

“Uh folks I know over Cheyenne way,” Jess muttered not meeting Slim’s eye.

“Why are you lying?” Slim asked looking puzzled. “What’s the real problem, huh Jess? You’ve been as skittish as a turkey on Thanksgiving ever since Andy started talking about Christmas.”

Jess looked down, but then said, “I just don’t know what all the dang fuss is about that’s all.”

“Well, you’ll soon find out,” Slim said cheerfully, “and no more talk of you going away for the holiday it would break Andy’s heart if you disappeared, you know that.” Then grinning, “Come on Jess, it won’t be so bad...huh.”

There was nothing for it he’d have to find some extra work to pay for the gifts he decided, but God knows what, he thought miserably. What could he do in a few short weeks before the festivities? Rob a bank maybe he thought with irony.

Then he’d come down with a real bad cold and been quite sick. Once he was over it Slim was ill, leaving all the work to Jess so he had no time to find extra work. Then there had been the disastrous turkey shoot where Andy had sustained a sprained wrist and he’d been in a fight with some rustlers. So now Christmas was looming and he’d still not been able to earn extra cash.

It was when he was in town buying some timber to mend the fence over on the eastern boundary, that he decided to have a word with Mort Cory.

He was still amazed that he now counted a lawman amongst his good friends. However, a real good bond had been forged between him and the Sheriff after he’d ridden posse with him a few times.

Now as he accepted a coffee and slumped down in the chair opposite Mort, at his desk, the older man looked at him with concern.

“What’s up buddy something bothering you?”

Jess just nodded and sighing said, “Yup, but can’t really say Mort.”

The older man just nodded and said, “Maybe you can talk it through with Slim then, huh?”

Jess rolled his eyes, “I can’t, I guess it sorta concerns him…all of them at the ranch really.”

“Oh, please don’t tell me you’re thinking of moving on,” Mort said looking worried, “I thought you’d settled down there real good boy, got your life back on track.”

“Oh yeah, I have,” Jess said quickly and then realised how foolish he was acting. Sighing again said, “You’ll think I’m acting real dumb Mort…but its Christmas that’s kinda bothering me.”

Mort looked up surprised, “Christmas…well what’s so bad about that, huh?”

Jess shrugged, “Presents, well lack of them as far as I’m concerned. See I ain’t got no funds to buy them all something back at the ranch.”

Mort’s face relaxed into a happy grin, “Is that all. Well hell they won’t expect much Jess, they know how you’re fixed…they won’t mind.”

Jess jumped up from his seat and paced about the office before turning back to Mort and saying angrily, “Yeah, but I will, can’t you see that?”

Mort frowned and then gestured for Jess to sit again, “I’m sorry Jess, real sorry, you’ve got your pride same as anyone else, I can see that now.”

“So, what am I gonna do, I can’t make the money I need in what…just over a week?”

Mort looked thoughtful and then his face cleared and he snapped his fingers, “By jingo I think I’ve got it!”

“You have?” asked Jess looking hopeful.

“Yup the answer to your prayers is sitting back there in the cells as we speak.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve only got two of the Danvers brothers under lock and key,” Mort said quietly.

Jess’s eyes opened wide in shock, “Jeez, you kept that pretty quiet.”

“Don’t I know it, and that’s gotta be the way it remains too, dang it. They were brought in at the dead of night and nobody but you, me and Lon knows about it. Hell, you know their reputation Jess they’re wanted in five states. For murder in three and there’s a rope waiting for them in Denver…when I can damn well get them over there that is.”

“So, what’s stopping you?”

“The rest of the gang…I’ve got Hank and Billy, but Gabe, Sonny and Mitch are still at large.”

Jess let out a low whistle.

“And what’s more as soon as they find out where their brothers are, you can bank on them trying to spring them.”

“So how did you end up with them here?”

The Sheriff and his deputy that were escorting them to Denver, from where they were picked up in Rawlins, were taken sick…real sick. They stopped off here and landed me with them. Turns out they’d got the fever, the Sheriff died and the deputy handed in his badge said he’d had enough. So, the last three days I’ve been waiting for back-up to help me deliver them to Denver. I just heard back today that they haven’t anyone available to ride with me until after the holidays. The longer they’re holed up here the more likely the rest of the gang are gonna find them,” he finished looking worried.

“I guess Lon, your deputy, would be needed here, huh?”

“Exactly I can’t leave the town with no law in place. And I don’t want word to get out that I’ve got those hoodlums in my jail. I just couldn’t think who I could trust to take with me until you landed… so how about it, Jess?”

“You’d pay me something?” Jess asked hesitantly.

“Enough for you to buy the best dang Christmas presents you can find for everyone at the ranch…sure,” he said grinning.

Jess stood up and offered his hand, “Deal,” he said happily.

Once he’d loaded up the timber and wire for the fence repair, he took off straight for the east pasture and worked without a break until dusk when the job was finally done.

By the time he returned to the ranch hungry and exhausted, supper was over and Andy and Jonesy already abed.

“Where the hell have you been ‘till this hour,” asked Slim, as Jess walked into the ranch house, “I’ve been waiting on you for that timber all day?”

“It’s OK,” Jess said wearily, “all done I bought the stuff and went straight onto the job, all finished and I figure we’re up-to-date with the jobs that needed to be done before Christmas?”

“Well sure Jess yes, thanks,” Slim said having the wind taken out of his sails. “Uh you didn’t need to tackle that on your own I’d have helped, “he added.

“No need, all done,” Jess said quietly as he went to fetch his supper, left in the oven.

Once he’d eaten Slim said, “So, I guess we can put our feet up now…look forward to a break, huh.”

Jess bowed his head, “Not me, I’ve got something I need to do, be away for a few days…that OK?”

Slim looked puzzled and then said, “Come on Jess, you aren’t still thinking of riding out over Christmas, are you?”

“Nope, I’ll be back.”

“So where are you off to?” Slim asked.

“Just some business I need to attend to.”

Slim frowned, “That it, you’re not going to tell me?”

“Can’t,” Jess said quietly, “I’ll be gone before first light…back for Christmas.”

“Andy would be mighty upset if you’re not,” Slim said and then with the ghost of a smile, “I guess we all would.”

Jess looked down and said, “Thanks Slim, just trust me on this one, huh.”

He was up very early the next day and left the house silently, before anyone was awake. But then just as he was leading Traveller quietly out of the barn Andy came running over just dressed in his robe and slippers.

“Hey partner what are you doin’ out here dressed like that?” Jess reprimanded, “You’ll catch your death.”

Andy rolled his eyes, “You sound just like Jonesy.

Then looking despairingly at his friend said, “Jess, where are you sneaking off to so early?”

“I’m not sneaking,” he said mounting up, “just didn’t wanna wake everyone up.”

“But you still haven’t said where you’re going and when you’ll be back,” Andy wailed.

Jess looked down from the saddle and smiled at the youngster, “I’ll be back for Christmas, now you go back in the warm,” and with that he spurred Traveller off to a brisk trot.

Andy stood there forlornly in the moonlight watching him until he disappeared from view over the rise.

“Bye,” he whispered, “see ya…”

It was still dark when Jess hitched Traveller to the rail in front of Mort’s office, but the moonlight had made the journey hazard free.

He entered to find the coffee pot on, and Mort and Lon waiting for him.

“We’ll just have a quick drink and then head out,” Mort said briskly.

Then turning to his deputy said, “Bring the prisoners up will you Lon.”

“Got ‘em in the pokey huh?” Jess said referring to the old cells beneath the building.

Mort nodded, “Not very pleasant I know, but couldn’t risk anyone seeing them. Apparently, the word from the law over Denver way is that the rest of the gang could be holed up somewhere in the hills outside Denver. They’ll be watching all the stages and railroad. So, our best bet is to ride in using the old Indian trail. Hopefully they won’t know about that.”

“Makes sense,” Jess agreed.

“Then there was the sound of cussing and a giant of a man dressed in black, with a black droopy Mexican style moustache and snakelike hooded eyes burst into the room, followed by a younger man who looked pale and sickly.

“By God, I’ll have you for this Cory!” the older man, Hank Danvers spat, “I wouldn’t keep a dog in that hell hole!”

“Well, that’s just too bad,” Mort said looking totally unrepentant, “I gave you extra blankets and good food, which is a damn sight more than you deserve.”

Then he turned his snakelike eyes on Jess and glared at him.

“So, who’s this?”

“This is deputy Harper,” Mort said flipping Jess a badge over, “and he’ll be accompanying us over to Denver.”

All the time the younger man, Billy Danvers was staring at Jess, taking in his low-slung weapon and the edgy way he held himself. After a moment he said, “Are you Jess Harper?”

Jess merely nodded, “Do I know you?”

The younger man shook his head, “Nope, but I know you…by reputation that is,” and he looked impressed.

“Oh right, Harper from Texas,” his brother agreed, “So, you’ve changed yer allegiances then have you son?”

Jess merely scowled at him and said gruffly, “I ain’t yer son.”

“Seems to me, I heard you were the real fast gun everyone wanted to ride with back in the day. Yes siree, wanted by pretty much every gang that was going…huh?” 

“Yeah, well that was then, things change,” Jess said angrily.

Then turning to Mort said, “Are we goin’?”

Dawn was jut breaking as they rode out with their prisoners cuffed and hands tied to the saddle horn and feet tied to the stirrups. Jess led the way, with Mort bringing up the rear, his rifle trained on the brothers.

They made good time and arrived about ten miles outside Cheyenne by nightfall.

The brothers were cussing and moaning that they hadn’t had a break all day. But Mort remained tight-lipped and merely lit a campfire and served up some beans and coffee to the prisoners. Meanwhile Jess had tended the horses and set up the camp.

All day, Hank had been needling Jess, suggesting he throw his lot in with the Danvers.

“It’s only a matter of time before Mitch, Sonny and Gabe catch up with us,” he had said. “Now wouldn’t you rather be on our side, huh? You let us go free and we’ll look out for you. We could do with a sharp shooter like you in the gang, what do ya say huh?”

Jess had studiously ignored him…but now as he sank down beside the campfire, he was tired, cold and hungry.

Mort was dishing up their grub, the two prisoners tied to a large pine a few feet away on the other side of the fire.

That was when Hank started taunting him again.

“Come on Harper, you know it makes sense. We could pay you handsomely… and we could be off to the highlife over the border by Christmas...what do you say, huh?”

Jess had, had enough. He sprang up from his seat and was across the few feet between them in a flash, one hand grabbing Hank by the shirt, the other raised in a fist.

Then Mort was behind him, a gentle, but firm hand on his shoulder, “Simmer down Jess, don’t let the bastard get to you.” he said softly.

Jess glared at Hank for a further minute before releasing his grip and turning away.

“What’s up Sheriff, afraid I’m getting to him and he’ll accept my offer?” Hank chuckled.

“No, I’m afraid he’ll kill you before you get to the gallows,” Mort said quietly.

Hank glanced back at Jess and saw the blue eyes staring back as hard as granite and a shiver of fear ran down his spine. Then he remembered a fellow outlaw who’d had some dealings with Jess. He’d shaken his head and said ruefully, ‘You don’t ever mess with Jess Harper, I learnt that the hard way.’

Well, ain’t that the truth he thought to himself now, and he sat back and closed his eyes feigning sleep and pretending to be unfazed by the recent clash.

The next leg of the journey went without incident. As they passed so close to Cheyenne Jess had an overwhelming urge to go visit Ma Johnson, wondering if Millie had arrived yet for her Christmas visit…but of course it was out of the question.

They skirted the town and headed on towards Boulder, Jess and Mort constantly on the alert for any sign of anyone trailing them…but all was quiet.

It was when they reached the mountainous area just to the west of Denver that Jess had the feeling they were being watched. There were high mountains to the right of them and the only way forward was through some narrow gullies. Jess and Mort knew this would be an ideal spot for a hideout with great views across the terrain. Also, near enough to Denver for one of the gang members to monitor arrivals by stage or railroad.

The sun was at its zenith on yet another bright but cold day when Jess suddenly saw the sun reflected off a rifle barrel glinting from a rocky outcrop ahead.

A shot rang out just missing Jess, and then as another blasted out, Jess pushed Mort to safety from the saddle, taking the bullet in his left shoulder. Then all hell broke loose…

Mort grabbed the reins of the brother’s horses and forcefully hauled the horses behind some rocks.

Meanwhile Jess had rolled and having recovered from the initial shock of the bullet was now keeping the assailants busy with his rifle fire. Doing the best  he could with his left shoulder bleeding profusely. 

It was clear that if Hank and Billy tried to make a run for it, they could be caught in the cross-fire. So, Mort released them from their saddles, leaving their hands and feet still tightly bound. Then Jess and Mort were able to concentrate on the continued attack coming closer now. As the Danvers advanced, handguns came into play, and being used damn accurately too, Mort observed.

Mort had another near miss, as bullets were ricocheting from the rocks all around them. Jeez he thought those outlaw brothers are dang good shots.

Then he glanced over to Jess who was looking pale and real sick, and realised how badly he’d been wounded. For the first time he thought maybe this was it…the end of the trail for them both.

Then Jess bobbed up and fired a shot with deadly accuracy, killing Mitch instantly…with a bullet through the heart.

But that seemed to rile the remaining Danvers even more, and they blasted shot after shot, one just missing Hank who was sitting it out looking more and more anxious.

“Damn fools, don’t they know were in the line of fire?” he muttered to Billy. But the younger man had lost it and was just lying there shivering and moaning softly.

Then they heard something in the distance, the unmistakable sound of a Cavalry bugle…and just moments later a small platoon came into view.

At the sight of the troops the remaining Danvers brothers, made for the hills and had disappeared by the time the lieutenant reined in by Mort.

“Lieutenant James Mason,” he said giving a brisk salute, “I’m here to escort you and your prisoners to Denver sir. It is Sheriff Cory I assume?”

Mort grinned, “Yup that would be me, and my deputy Harper here.”

Seeing Jess was wounded the Lieutenant quickly ordered his medical orderly to assist him.

“Dang it, don’t worry about me,” Jess cussed, “you get off after the rest of the damn gang!”

A small party were dispatched, but returned some time later saying the trail had gone cold.

In more than one way Jess thought bitterly, as a sudden storm advanced upon them. The heavens opened and a heavy rain and hail storm ensued.

It was when they were back in Denver that they discovered Lon had wired ahead asking for extra support and the army had been called out.

“Thank goodness,” Mort said sincerely, as he and Jess sat enjoying a drink in their hotel bar. “I really thought our number was up back there.”

Jess grinned at him, “Nah, we’d have got ‘em in the end…as for those useless soldiers, they were no help bringing the others in,” and he rolled his eyes.

“Oh well at least the Army doc fixed you up pretty good,” Mort said grinning, “Even if you’re not going to follow his advice.”

“What, stay here resting for a couple of weeks, yer kidding me! Andy would never forgive me,” he said grinning happily. “Besides I’ve got Christmas presents to buy.”

“OK, OK,” Mort said, “but we go back on the railroad…deal?”

The next evening Traveller and Buck were carefully loaded into a cattle  car on the Denver to Laramie line…and Mort assumed they’d go take their seats with the other passengers riding the train. However, Jess steadfastly refused saying Trav had never been on the railroad before and he wasn’t leaving him alone.

So it was, the two men bunked down in the straw along with their mounts.

“Now don’t forget,” Mort said, just as they were drifting off, “not a word to anyone at the ranch about where you’ve been. Right now, those no-good outlaws don’t know where we hail from. But I’m telling you now, Jess, if they find out they’ll come gunning for us. Especially  since you dispatched young Mitch… they won’t be happy until they get their revenge. Let’s just hope that the law catches up with them before they catch up with us…because it won’t just be you in danger, it will be Slim and young Andy too.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t go home then,” Jess said suddenly looking stricken.

“Heck no, that’s not a good idea,” Mort said quickly, “You’d be of more use to them there, to protect them. The Danvers could just turn up looking for you find you’ve moved on and kill Slim and Andy anyway. They’re crazy as a box of frogs, you know that. Nope better you’re there to look out for them.”

Then more quietly, “Same as you did for me Jess. You saved my bacon boy and I ain’t ever gonna forget that.”

They arrived in Laramie about noon on Christmas Eve, and Jess made straight for the mercantile to buy his gifts. He bid farewell to Mort and saying he’d see him at the ranch the following day, as he was always invited for Christmas day.

It was late afternoon when he finally rode Traveller into the yard and put him up in the barn. Then he hid his gift-wrapped purchases and made for the house. He was feeling exhausted now, his shoulder throbbing mercilessly and he felt a little sick and faint.

As he entered, Andy ran over from where he, Slim and Jonesy were dressing the tree and threw himself at Jess crying, “Jess you’re back, I knew you’d be here for Christmas I just knew it!”

As Andy hugged him, he gasped as a wave of pain and nausea threatened to overwhelm him.

“Jess what is it?” Andy said in consternation.

“Can’t you see he’s hurt,” Jonesy said coming forward to assist Jess to the old leather sofa.

Slim had been looking on angrily as he was mad at Jess for taking off for so long. Sure Andy had said he knew Jess would be back, but that hadn’t stopped him getting real upset and constantly looking out of the window for his new friend. However now he saw Jess was in real distress Slim forgot his anger and went and sat beside him.

“You been shot?” he asked quietly as he saw Jess grasping his shoulder.

Then Jonesy was there checking out the wound.

“Well, I’ll say who ever doctored this did a darned good job,” he said sitting back, “Who fixed you up Jess?”

“Army doc,” Jess said briefly.

“Army, huh,” said Slim, “so what were you doing with the army Jess?”

“I was uh, helpin’ Mort out with a little business,” Jess said, not meeting Slim’s intense gaze.

Slim frowned and said, “So what were you doing with Mort and why didn’t he ask me to help too?”

Jess just shrugged, “I can’t really say Slim, he told me to keep quiet about it.”

Slim frowned, “Something isn’t right here, are you sure you were actually working with Mort…hell you’re not in trouble are you Jess?”

Jess closed his eyes and counted to ten before just shaking his head.

Surprisingly it was Jonesy who came to his rescue.

“Can’t you see the boy’s feeling bad Slim, cut him some slack fer goodness sake.”

Then turning to Jess said, “I’ll fetch the medicinal whiskey and a slice of pie for you son.”

Once Slim and Jess were outside a couple of glasses of whiskey Slim apologised, “I was just worried you know,” he said softly, “Andy too…”

“Yeah well, I said I’d be back and I guess Mort will vouch for me when he comes tomorrow.”

“No need,” Slim said quickly, “I believe you Jess…let’s just forget about it huh.”

And they had done until now, as Jess finished relating his story.

Then Mort took up the tale, “He was quite right in keeping it quiet Slim, we just couldn’t run the risk of something being said in town and Sonny and Gabe Danvers getting wind of where me and Jess lived.”

Then Andy looked fearful, “Heck they’re not still gunning for you, are they?”

“Nope,” Mort grinned, “don’t fret…they were apprehended robbing a bank down in Texas the following summer…both shot dead by the Sheriff…so all the Danvers Gang are gone now.”

“So, what presents did you buy? You know, that you hid in the barn?” Mike asked looking excited.

“Well, I got some really beautiful spurs,” Slim said grinning.

“And I got a real smart cooking pot to make my Mulligan Stews in,” Jonesy said happily. “I still use it over in St Lois,” he added to Jess.

Meanwhile Andy had run off to his room and returned with a beautifully fashioned knife sheath to show Mike,” Slim did buy me that hunting knife,” he said, “and Jess bought me this swell cover!”

It was much later when the men were bedding down for the night that Slim sat down on his bed and looking across at Jess said, “You really didn’t need to go to those lengths to get us presents you know buddy. I feel really bad that you were hurt because of that.”

Jess gave him a sad smile, “I had to Slim…”

“What, the old Harper pride?”

He really smiled at that, “Partly I guess, but mostly I wanted to show you all how much I appreciated you takin’ me in. I know I wasn’t always the easiest back then.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Slim said smiling back.

Then he noticed Jess looked real emotional.

“What?” he  asked softly.

“I guess I realised that this was really home and I’d got friends like kin when you were all so dang pleased to see me. Then when I opened that bridle you gave me, the one I’d been savin’ up for…” and he just shook his head looking deeply moved once more.

“I knew you’d been lusting after it for months,” Slim said grinning. “Anyway, that’s what Christmas is all about isn’t it…showing you care for others. Just like you told me after you’d seen that vision in the cave, all about love and compassion,” he added.

Jess chuckled, “And here’s me thinkin’ it was all about the presents.”

Slim looked up surprised and then saw he was kidding and threw his pillow at him.

“Get to sleep pard, we’ll have Andy and Mike waking us at the crack of dawn opening their presents!”

Chapter 6

As predicted, they were awakened at dawn by Mike whooping with joy as he and Andy opened their stockings. Then the day raced past.

Although Slim and Jess were missing their gals, they still enjoyed the day and Mort agreed that Daisy and Jonesy had excelled themselves in the kitchen department. In fact, Daisy and Jonesy had got on extremely well, with Jonesy bowing to that fact that Miss Daisy was now in charge of his old domain, and said she was ‘a delight to work for…’

“Oh, Jonesy dear, it was a joint effort,” she said beaming at him.

After all the excitement of the present opening in the morning followed by the excellent lunch it was time for a little relaxation. Jonesy went off for a nap whilst Slim and Mort took the lively boys out for a breath of fresh air and to run off some of their high spirits. There had been a snow fall, so snowball fights and snowmen were on the agenda.

“Are you coming?” Slim called to Jess as he shrugged his jacket on following the others out.

Jess shook his head, “I guess I’ll just stay and tidy up with Daisy.”

Slim threw him a questioning glance, but then said, “OK,” … and went off to where the boys were calling for him.

Jess wandered back into the kitchen to where Daisy was just wringing out her dish cloth.

“All done?” he asked smiling.

“Oh yes, I was just checking everything is tidy, the boys and Mort did all the washing up,” she said.

Jess took her arm, “Well you come and sit down by the fire and rest a spell,” he said leading her to her armchair.

“Thank you dear I am a little tired,” she said.

“You’ve been kinda quiet today,” he said as he took his own rocking chair beside her. “Missing the girls company?”

She nodded “Oh I am ... it’s always so lovely to have Millie, Lily and Kate to chat with…and you must be missing them too?”

“Sure am,” Jess agreed with feeling.

But then added, “I hope you’re OK Daisy, you’re not too tired, we all tried to pitch in you know, make up for the girls not being around.”

“Oh goodness me, no dear, I’m just fine and I appreciate all the help. No if I’m honest it’s remembering back to those early days when I moved here…how good you all were to me. I was telling Jonesy all about it while we were cooking. It put me in mind of the first Christmas Mike and I spent here. You boys were so kind to us and so understanding.”

Then she sniffed again, “When I think of that poor little boy, why Jess he’d lost everything, his Ma and Pa, everything in the wagon, his toys and books. Goodness, you said he had only the clothes he stood up in.”

Then they heard cries of joy coming from the yard where Mike and Andy were pelting the adults with snowballs.

“No lasting harm done I guess,” he chuckled tipping his head to the window where the snowball flight was in full swing.

“Well, that’s down to you and Slim, especially you Jess, you have a wonderful way with the child.”

“And you too Daisy. Gee I don’t know what we’d have done if you hadn’t landed and agreed to take us all on,” he said sincerely. “Mike could have ended up in that dang children’s home.”

“Well, I was equally glad to find refuge here,” she said honestly. “Remember how I arrived, thinking I’d bought a store in Sherman Wyoming?”

“That I do,” Jess said, “and if I ever meet that swindler who conned you out of all your savings…” he said angrily clenching a fist.

Daisy nodded, “Dear Edgar would have been so distressed. He wasn’t really himself when he signed the deal you know Jess…and then just a week later he had that terrible heart attack and died.”

Jess took her hand, “That must have been a terrible shock, how long were you married?”

“Over forty years, and yes I miss him sorely and my dear son too,” she said softly.

Jess knew she’d lost her only boy in the war and felt for her.

Then smiling, “But you three dear boys have helped me so much. You’ve really made me feel I’m needed again,” she said squeezing the hand he held. “I think that first Christmas really made me realise I’d come home.” 

“I’m glad,” he said softy, “now you sit tight, I’m gonna go make you a cup of that tea you like, be right back.”

“Thank you dear, that would be lovely,” she said.

He wandered off and she sat back in front of the blazing fire, closing her eyes and remembering that first Christmas at the ranch…

It was fall when she arrived and it had only taken her a week or so to realise that this was where she was meant to be, this was to be her new home.

Her first impressions of Slim as a serious sincere young man, and Jess as one who was loyal and kind but who had a difficult past; were born out as she got to know them. But it took a while to really understand these wonderful men…whereas young Mike was an open book.

He was a charming child and if he had maybe forgotten some of his manners since his new life on the ranch, that was  easily remedied. Such phrases as… ‘Milk’…and his glass pushed in front of Daisy were quickly changed to, ‘May I have milk please aunt Daisy?’ She smiled now at how easy it had been to remind the child of his conduct and he had clearly been  brought up to be well mannered and respectful. He had just forgotten some of the rules during his early days at the ranch, when he was still  recovering from the trauma of seeing his folks and the others on the wagon train killed by renegade Indians.

“I guess we kinda spoiled him some those first few weeks,” Jess had admitted to her one day, “seeing as the little fellah had been through so much…we didn’t pick him up on his manners…we were just glad when he started eating and playing again to be honest,” he’d added.

“Oh, I quite understand dear,” Daisy had replied, “and it’s obvious he’d been well brought up. He just needed reminding about his P’s and Q’s.” 

Jess had grinned at that and said, “Well I hope I meet muster ma’am…”

She had smiled at that and said, “Well absolutely, you are a very polite young man and your dear Ma and Pa did a good job on you too.”

At the mention of his parent’s Jess’s face had that sudden closed look and he changed the subject.

It had taken her so long to finally understand him…find out what made him tick. The more she discovered about his past the more she admired him. Amazed at how stoic he was and how he’d finally turned his life around to become the wonderful young man he was today. That wasn’t to say it was all plain sailing as Jess, and Slim too, often found themselves in trouble and danger. Then she had to learn to weather these storms without fussing too much. Thank goodness for her nurse’s training she often thought, making  her pretty much unflappable. 

So, in those early days she had gleaned information as and when she could. But from day one she was certain of one thing… and that was the close bond between the two young ranchers. Like they were brothers she had said to the circuit judge when he had come to check on the suitability of Slim and Jess as joint guardians for Mike. Then as the days had gone on, she fitted all the little snippets of information together like pieces of a jigsaw, until she could see the whole picture. 

Slim was serious and a worrier, carrying the responsibility of the welfare of the ranch and all who dwelled there on his own shoulders. It had taken her no time to realise that much of this was born of the necessity of having to bring up his kid brother after the early demise of his parents, the responsibility weighing heavily 

He had told her though that after the advent of Jess in his life he had gradually become more carefree. His new friend insisted on taking him to town to seek the company of pretty girls and have the odd drink in the saloon. She had smiled at that thinking it was exactly what Slim needed.

Likewise, once Jess really got to know and trust her, he had told her some of his story, the terrible death of his family at the hands of the Banister Gang and his subsequent life on the drift, seeking revenge. The war and then all the trouble he’d found himself in afterwards, using his fast gun to survive.

“I dunno what would have become of me iffen I hadn’t landed up here and met Slim,” he said honestly, one day when they were chatting.

Now it was nearly Christmas and she was beginning to feel as much a part of the family as the others did. In fact, Jess and been known to occasionally call her Ma and it warmed her heart.

It was a couple of weeks before Christmas when she was privy to a heartfelt conversation between Mike and Jess.

They were busy in the barn and she had wandered over, yet again seeking her sugar jar. Jess had a habit of borrowing it to feed his horse sugar lumps and forgetting to return it.

Now as she stood on the threshold of the dimly lit barn, she heard Mike’s shrill tone…

“But dontcha see Jess I feel awful guilty. Remember what fun we had choosing that big ol’ tree for the house and then going into town to buy some presents?”

Jess looked puzzled, “Well why are you feeling guilty Tiger, I don’t get it?”

“Because Ma and Pa ain’t here of course,” the child lamented. “How can I laugh and be happy when they’re dead Jess?” Then he started crying in earnest, “They’re dead and I’ll never see them again…never have Christmas with them again.”

There was a pause when the boy was crying bitterly, and Daisy nearly turned away…but she had to wait and see what would happen…maybe Jess would need her support.

She could just make out the figures from her place by the barn door. Jess was now sitting on a straw bale with Mike on his lap; a comforting arm around the child’s shoulders.

Once the tears had stopped, bar the odd hiccup and sniff, Jess spoke softly to the youngster.

“Now listen up Tiger, did your Ma and Pa love you, huh?”

The boy opened his eyes wide, “Well sure they did.”

“Then dontcha think they’d want you to be happy, hear you laughing…looking forward to Christmas, huh?”

“I suppose so, yeah,” the boy agreed.

“Well, I  reckon they’ll be looking down from Heaven and they’ll sure be upset to see you cryin’ this way… they’d much rather hear you laugh and bein’ happy don’t you think?”

The boy nodded, “I guess so…”

Then Jess said, “You carry your Ma and Pa right here…and he tapped the boy's heart and they’re real safe in there and will be with you always, you understand that?”

That was when the child beamed at him, “Sure I do, Jess, that makes perfect sense and so they’ll be with me on Christmas when I open my presents and all?”

“You got it,” Jess said ruffling the boy’s hair.

“Now are you gonna help me finish off muckin’ out in here huh… because those nags ain’t gonna do it themselves ya know.”

That was when Daisy moved stealthily away…one hand clasped to her own heart.

She had never thought of things that way before…of course her dear husband and son were safe in her heart. And goodness, how happy they would be to know she had found this safe haven in which to live…until they should all be reunited one day.

But gracious that Christmas hadn’t passed without incident she remembered now.

It was just a week before the big day and she was busy in the kitchen baking yet more mince pies, because they somehow seemed to keep disappearing as soon as a new batch were made. It was a bitterly cold day with snow laying several inches deep.

Mike was at school and the men just having a quick post lunch coffee before heading out into the yard to finish working on a broken fence over in the home pasture. They had suffered some dreadful weather and they had been out most days checking fence and coming home cold and weary.

Suddenly there was a violent banging on the front door and both men ran to answer it, Jess snagging the rifle they always kept in the corner, by the door, before opening it warily.

One of the young Jackson boys stood there looking anxious, “Please can you come and help Pa, our fence is down and some of our critters are heading for the creek,” he lamented.

Well, they had their hats and jackets on in seconds and after a hasty, “See ya later Daisy,” they were gone.

It was Slim who explained exactly what had happened much later that day.

By the time they reached the Jackson spread that was just over the ridge, several of their prime steers had broken through the fence and one was already in the water. Seeing Dave Jackson was dealing with that Slim started herding the rest of the cattle back onto safer ground whilst Jess got a rope on a big bull that was heading for the water at speed. Apparently, he was dragged from the saddle but refused to let go. Then the stupid animal fell into the creek, with Jess still hanging onto the rope. He was up to his waist in the filthy freezing water before Slim could get to him to help out. Another rope was thrown on the animal and eventually they managed to heave him and Jess out. Then other friends arrived, the cattle were herded onto safer ground and several men set about mending the fence.

When Jess and Slim landed back home it was getting dark and as Jess entered the house Daisy gasped in shock. He was ringing wet, filthy dirty and shivering violently…his lips blue and his face as white as a sheet.

“Goodness me what ever happened to you dear,” she asked trying to keep calm.

“I decided to take a dip in the creek Daisy,” he said with a rueful grin.

“Slim please go and fetch the tin bath in,” she said quickly and I’ll go and heat up some water…and uh Mike could you throw some more logs on the fire please dear.”

“I’m fine Daisy,” Jess protested, “I’ll just go change,” he added through chattering teeth.

“Yes dear, you go and get out of those wet clothes, the tub will be ready shortly,” she said ignoring his protests.

He turned to his buddy and said, “Slim…do something…” his face a study of angst.

But Slim merely grinned at him and went off to fetch the tub.

Jess disappeared off to his room until Slim went and fetched him.

“It’s OK Jess you can come out. Miss Daisy says she’s real busy in the kitchen and won’t be coming out to scrub your back,” he said chuckling.

It always surprised her to find out how bashful the young men were. Jess eventually came out of his room and enjoyed a good soak in the bath, but sadly he still suffered a nasty chill after his dip in the icy river.

The following morning Slim came to the breakfast table alone and said, “I’m going to let Jess stay in bed today, he looks really rough.”

“And he’s agreed to that?” Daisy asked looking surprised and knowing that Jess never gave into any form of sickness, saying he was fine and carrying on regardless.

“He’s still asleep,” Slim said, “but he’s not looking any too good.”

Daisy went in after breakfast with a hot drink and stood looking down at his flushed face and agreed with Slim, the boy wasn’t well at all.

She put the cup down on the nightstand and then gently brushed his wayward hair back from his forehead and felt how warm he was.

She left the room and returned quietly with some cold water from the well and an old cloth and gently bathed his burning face.

After a little while his eyes sprang open in shock, but then he relaxed back when he recognised her.

“You’re running a high fever dear, I’m just trying to cool you down,” she said.

He nodded and was very quiet and then after a while she saw that his eyes were bright with unshed tears.

“Jess dear,” she whispered, “What is it, are you alright?”

He gave a deep sigh and then said softly, “Sure it’s just…well nobody’s cared for me this way since Ma did when I was a little kid.”

Daisy just smiled reassuringly at him and after a while he drifted off to sleep again.

She treasured that time, because it was very special as she sat by the bedside attending to her mending and they talked. Really talked properly and she began to understand him and they formed a close bond that had never been broken. 

That Christmas day was really special too. To be honest she was dreading it, knowing it would be her first since she lost her dear Edgar. But as it turned out she was so busy enjoying herself and looking after everyone that she didn’t have a second to feel miserable or sorry for herself. As she got the supper ready that night she felt a stab of guilt. Goodness she’d hardly thought of her own family and their treasured Christmases together. But then she remembered that conversation Jess had in the barn with young Mike, and at once felt so much better. She put a hand to her heart. Yes, her loved ones would want her to be happy on this very special day of the year…she really believed that. Then she heard Jess calling her, “Daisy…hey Daisy …”

Her eyes snapped open and she realised she’d fallen asleep in front of the fire and Jess was gently shaking her awake.

“Oh, I’m sorry dear, I got to remembering my first Christmas here and I must have drifted off for a moment.”

He grinned down at her and offered a hand to get up.

“All afternoon actually Daisy,” he said, and taking her arm, he escorted her to the table where all of them had rallied around and made supper. Goodness me she thought I am truly blessed… not just at Christmas but all year around too.

Chapter 7

It was Christmas night and the boys, Daisy and Jonesy were all abed, leaving Slim, Jess and Mort sitting before the fire enjoying a glass on Denver’s moonshine apiece.

“Good batch this year,” Mort said appreciatively.

“I remember Daisy was really upset that we should have what she called, illicit spirit in the house that first Christmas she was here,” Slim said.

Jess laughed “Yeah, she said that with the Sheriff here for Christmas then we should at least hide it in the barn.”

Then Slim chuckled, “And you said, ‘But Daisy it was the Sheriff that brought it’…her face!”

“Well, I don’t actually buy it,” Mort said now looking slightly wrong footed; it just kinda appears in the office, week before Christmas.”

“Well, you’re practically part of the family now ain’t ya… way you and Kate are,” Jess said grinning cheekily. “Denver’s bound to treat you.”

Mort nodded, “I’d tie the knot tomorrow if that darned woman wasn’t so dang stubborn.”

“What’s the problem?” Slim asked.

Mort sighed, “I guess she just likes her freedom. Sure, she enjoys being with me, but then the big open calls and she says she needs to go back up the mountain.”

“Ha sounds like Jess,” Slim said, “he gets a yearning for the big open every now and again, don’t you buddy?”

“Must be somethin’ about coming from Texas,” Jess agreed.

He had known Kate growing up on the panhandle where she and her husband Charlie knew Jess’s Ma. And his Pa even more intimately considering the amount of time he spent drinking in their saloon. Kate had a soft spot for the middle Harper kid. In fact, she would often treat him to milk and cookies or candy in the back room, whilst lending a sympathetic ear to his troubles. Being old man Harper’s son was no picnic she knew that.

Then when Charlie died, she moved to Wyoming to live with a distant cousin, old Denver James and his boys Mick and Cody, who were trappers and also had an illegal Still. The relationship was purely platonic and suited them both. She had taken to life up the mountain like a duck to water. She had always been an unusual woman being able to keep order in the saloon with no trouble and professed to be able to out draw most of her customers. Now she had turned her hand to shooting four-legged critters with great aplomb. She could be seen striding around the mountain, her slim frame decked out in buckskins and wielding a hunting rifle, a force to be reckoned with.

Slim looked sleepily into the fire and said, “Good old Kate, I’ve really missed her this Christmas.”

“You have…” said Mort with a heartfelt sigh.

“Do you recall that Christmas when Jonesy went off to care for his sick brother leaving you, me, and Andy to sort out Christmas ourselves?” Jess asked, “Kate sure came to the rescue…”

“Uh well, eventually,” Slim agreed.

“That sure was an interesting Christmas,” Mort concurred, “so how did it all come about Jess, I don’t think I ever heard the full story?”

Jess grinned and replenished their glasses; “Well it was this way.” he started…

“Garldarn it, Jess don’t you think I’d like to spend Christmas Day in town with a cute saloon girl on my arm getting slowly pie eyed on whiskey…but it’s not going to happen…I’ve got Andy to consider don’t forget. The kid will expect a tree, turkey and all the trimmings. Not to mention presents.”

“Oh yeah,” Jess said looking disappointed, “I suppose so.”

“Well, you suppose right and this place isn’t going to run itself either,” he added looking around the yard.

They were standing on the porch, an icy wind blasting in and the threat of snow.

“Well, we’re sure gonna need something to keep the cold out and I guess we’ve got the chance with Jonesy out of the way,” Jess said happily.

Slim nodded, knowing that in Jonesy’s book whiskey should only be partaken of for strictly medicinal purposes.

“I heard on the grape vine that Denver James is sick and won’t be doing the usual rounds with his moonshine this year.”

“Oh great,” Jess said sarcastically, “so what’s wrong with the old boy?”

“Got himself mauled by a bear according to Mort. He saw Cody the other day when he came into town for supplies. Apparently, Kate Munroe is nursing him real good, but he won’t be well before New Year, if then.”

“Ha!” The number of bears that guy shoots this one was probably getting its revenge,” Jess said chuckling.

“Yeah, like that one did on you,” Slim said grinning.

Jess pulled a face, “That weren’t funny.”

Slim was referring to the time Denver had served up a bear stew to Jess and he was sick for a week, the meat being somewhat rancid.

“Beats me how they weren’t sick,” Jess said shaking his head, “those mountain men must have guts of iron.”

Slim looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, “I suppose if he can’t deliver, someone might go and fetch our order down?”

“I could collect it, for our neighbours too, huh…for a small charge that is.”

Slim shook his head chuckling, “Never miss a trick do you Jess.”

“Yeah, well it’s a powerful long way up that mountain, stands to reason I should get something for my hard work, especially in this weather,” he added, pulling his jacket more closely around him.

Slim looked anxious, “I don’t know Jess,” he said. “Maybe it’s not a good idea, if the weather closes in you could be stranded up there, or stuck in some blizzard on your way back. I was thinking maybe the Padre would be going up…” he said, referring to a defrocked cleric who was a bit of a rogue.

“Yer kiddin’ he’d drink it all before he was halfway down the mountain. Hey anyone ever tell you, you worry too much,” Jess said cheerfully, “after all Denver manages it ok and he’s about 101 if he’s a day.”

Slim grinned at that shaking his head and following Jess across the barn to saddle up and start the day checking fence.

“Aw Jess, I don’t want you to go, you’ll miss all the fun on the days before Christmas,” Andy said that night.

“Well sooner I go, sooner I’ll be back to help with all those festivities then, won’t I?” Jess said.

Then turning to Slim who was busy at his desk said, “When Mose came by with the noon stage, he said he’d heard there were a bunch of wild mustangs spied on the track leading up the mountain, I could cut a couple of them out too…nice little job for me to work on over the winter huh.”

Slim nodded, knowing perfectly well it was useless to argue with Jess once his mind was made up.

“Sure, that would be great,” he said, “keep you out of mischief for a while.”

Jess grinned back, “I’ll head out at first light then, should be back within the week.”

“In time for the turkey shoot?” Andy asked hopefully.

“Well, I’ll sure try…yeah.”

The following morning Andy and Slim waved Jess off on a surprisingly mild pleasant morning. He made good time, reaching the foothills of the mountain by dusk. Then pushing on early he made the halfway point and decided to stop over at the old Sherman log cabin before the final push up to where Denver, his sons Cody, Mick and Kate Munroe lived.

As he neared the old hunting cabin, he was surprised to see smoke issuing from the large chimney stack. Thinking it could be outlaws camped out there he dismounted some distance away and then walked stealthily towards the place, before ducking down and peering in the window. He could see nobody about, but taking no chances, he drew his colt and kicked the door open.

As he did, there was a squeal of fear and looking all around he finally looked down and his gaze came to rest on two small children, partially hidden by the old sofa, pulled up in front of the blazing fire.

“Don’t shoot Mister,” the diminutive boy cried clutching his little sister to him, their blue eyes open wide in fear.

Jess quickly holstered his gun and walking over knelt down beside the children.

“Hey it’s OK I’m sorry I scared you,” he said quickly. “My name’s Jess Harper and my buddy Slim Sherman owns this shack, so who are you?”

The boy swallowed hard and looking slightly more at ease said, “I’m Bobby-Joe Harris and this is my little sis, Cherry.”

“Well, howdy, Jess said “so how old are you then?”

“I’m six and a half,” Bobby-Joe said, “and Cherry is just four. I’m sorry I used your logs Mr Harper, but we were real cold. I lit it all by myself,” he said proudly, “Pa showed me how…but I made real sure Cherry stayed way back because she isn’t allowed to light fires yet.”

“Well done,” Jess said beaming, “so where is yer Pa?” he asked looking around assuming he was with his children.

“Oh, he’s back home at our shack over the ridge,” Bobby-Joe said, “with Ma and our new baby sister.

“Huh, but that homestead is a good couple of miles away,” Jess said tipping his hat back and looking shocked, “you came all this way on yer own?”

The boy nodded, “We didn’t mean to, but we were following Santa and we went further than we meant to and then Cherry got real cold, so I thought we’d stop here for a while…well after we saw the bear and all,” he added.

“Bear,” Jess asked looking even more shocked, “so don’t your folks know where you are then?”

Bobby-Joe looked thoughtful, “No I guess not. We were playing hide and go seek and then we saw Santa and forgot to tell Ma and Pa we were following him…he was walking real fast and we couldn’t keep up,” he finished sadly.

“Hey, I thought Santa only came on Christmas Eve?” Jess said, humouring the child.

“Me too,” said Cherry, finding her voice and liking this dark-haired stranger. “But he had the long white beard and a sack of toys over his shoulder…it was him for sure. See we wanted to tell him we’d had a baby sister so there would be one extra in our house for presents,” she added.

“Ah, well that makes sense,” Jess said grinning at her. “Hey, I’m sure Santa will know that…But you’re Ma and Pa will be real worried when they find you’ve gone, so I figure I’d better take you home huh.”

Once he was sure the kids were wrapped up warmly, he put them both up on Traveller’s back and led them down the trail towards the valley where their homestead was.

He’d only gone a mile or so when he heard folk calling out and moments later the children were reunited with their family.

He had met the children’s Pa, Pete Harris briefly once before whilst out hunting with Slim and he was deeply indebted to Jess for bringing the children home safely…and shook his hand warmly.

“As for you young ‘uns I should put you over my knee,” he said gruffly, his relief at their safety manifesting in momentary anger.

“What if that old bear had eaten you both up, huh?” he added now winking at Jess, his good humour returning at his joy of having them safely back again.

When Jess explained about seeing Santa and the need to include the new sibling in the festivities both parents relented hugging their wayward offspring and forgiving them.

Back at the cabin Jess made some supper and then relaxed back in front of the fire smiling to himself. They were great kids…but Santa? He shook his head and then remembered the bear, well that would cheer up old Denver he thought grinning as he retired to bed.

Chapter 8

The next day he was up and about early.

He was just riding into the hidden rocky area near the top of the mountain, where Denver and his clan lived, when he saw a movement out of the corner of his eye and spied Cody crouched down on a high rock a few yards away.

He continued slowly on his way and then as he neared the rock he waited and just seconds later Cody sprang down from his hiding place, rifle trained on him and yelled gruffly, “That’s far enough mister…”

“Hey yer losing yer touch Cody, I spied you, miles back,” Jess said grinning.

“Aw Jess I’m sorry,” the young man said lowering his rifle… “But you know how dang fussy Pa is about strangers on the mountain, I thought it might be you and Traveller but I weren’t sure.”

Jess grinned, “That’s OK I know how your Pa worries about the law and his little business enterprises. So, how is the old layabout anyway, word is he’s been sick?” Jess asked as he dismounted and the men continued up the track to the camp together.

“Yeah, got himself mauled by a grizzly, but between you and me Jess he ain’t as bad as he’s makin’ out, that ol’ leg was healed days ago. He just ain’t letting on to Kate as he wants her to stay up the mountain for Christmas. Don’t seem fair to me,” he added, “as I know she’s got a hankering to see the Sheriff.”

As they neared the camp they heard raised voices.

“Why you are a dirty, filthy, lyin’ cheating, son of a bitch Denver James!” Kate yelled. “If you can make it all the way down as far as the Harris spread to deliver the moonshine, then you can dang well see to yer own needs!”

Jess and Cody exchanged an amused glance, “I figure Kate just found out he’s been lyin’,” Jess said.

As the couple came into view Jess saw the diminutive Kate, wearing her usual buckskins, old confederate forage cap at a jaunty angle and hands on hips as she berated Denver.

Then he looked across at the old mountain man, dressed in a bright red warm winter coat, a large sack over his shoulder and sporting a white beard.

They both turned as Jess and Cody walked up and chuckling Jess said, “Howdy Santa,” before turning to Kate and tipping his hat, “Morning Kate.”

Kate’s face relaxed into a huge smile, “Well howdy stranger, come up for the local’s hooch have you Jessie boy?”

Jess nodded, “Sure have.”

“Good because that won’t be all you’re taking back with you,” she said haughtily, “I’ll go pack, I’m coming down the mountain with ya.”

“Aw Kate please don’t go!” Denver lamented, but she was off.

Then turning to Jess said, “I’ll fetch yer bottles Jess boy,” then raising a puzzled eyebrow, said, “Santa?”

Jess grinned, “Well look at yerself, white beard, red coat and a sack over yer shoulder.”

“Oh yeah,” and he chuckled, “I let the beard grow when I was sick, I guess I’ll shave that off now…”

“Well, you sure had the Harris kids fooled, they thought you were the real thing.”

Looking thoughtful, Denver said, “I wonder if the Harris family would like to share their Christmas meal with a poor sick old man?”

“Hey, don’t you go sponging off those good folks,” Jess said quickly, knowing they weren’t well off. “Besides why do you wanna go eating turkey when you could be having a nice prime bear steak, huh?”

“Bear you say?” Denver asked looking hopeful.

“Why sure…a big old fellah, up by the Sherman cabin just yesterday…you can bag him for sure, if you get going.”

Denver’s eyes lit up, “I’ll go clean my best huntin’ rifle and tell the boys. Uh say goodbye to Kate will ya. Have a good Christmas son,” and thrusting a couple of sacks of moonshine at him, he was off, leaving Jess chuckling and shaking his head.

Then, seconds later Denver had returned and taken payment for the hooch, saying, Jeez I must be gettin’ old,” before hurrying off again.

Jess and Kate made good time and they landed at the Sherman cabin just as dusk was falling.

Whilst Jess tended the mounts and cut some more firewood, Kate got a blaze going and started supper.

It wasn’t until they were sitting before the fire after their meal, toasting their toes, that they had a chance to discuss Christmas.

“So old Jonesy is away then,” she said, “I guess you’ll miss him.”

Jess grinned, “Miss his cookin’ that’s for sure,” then he threw Kate a speculative look, which she picked up on at once.

She pretended to sigh and said, “OK I guess I could manage to throw together a decent Christmas dinner for you all.”

Jess grinned at her, but then said, “Heck Kate you’ll be wanting to spend time with Mort, won’t you?”

“Well, he’s invited for the day, isn’t he?”

“Well yes, but I was thinkin’ you’d want to spend it at his place?”

She shook her head and said, “Nope, Christmas is a family time, and I’d be real honoured to spend it with you and your new family Jessie boy.”

Jess grinned at that, “Well, that’s just swell Kate.”

“Besides,” she said tapping her nose, “it’s good to treat ‘em mean to keep ‘em keen.”

Jess chuckled at that, “Well I shouldn’t go worrying on that score, Mort’s keen alright…it’s you who won’t commit…he’s all for up and marrying you.”

Kate shook her head, “My Charlie is a hard act to follow, but I have to say I’m pretty taken with Mort…yup pretty taken.”

Then shaking her head as though to clear it of all ‘romantic nonsense’ as she was apt to call affairs of the heart, said, “So Jess, what’s the plan huh?”

When she heard he wanted to spend a couple of days seeking wild mustangs in the area she was delighted. “Be easier herding them with the two of us,” she grinned.

Then looking thoughtful said, “You set a lot of store by the Sherman brothers don’t you Jess, ready to go that extra mile huh?”

“I reckon I do yeah. Hell, they’re like kin to me now Kate. You know, times like Christmas are real special…we do stuff I never did as a child…it’s like a different world, ya know?” he said his eyes dancing with merriment.

“I’m real glad for you son,” she said softly, “you deserve it. I figure there were times you had a really rough deal growing up.”

Jess’s face instantly got that closed look and he muttered, “Long time ago Kate.”

Then smiling weakly at her, “At least I had you and Charlie, you were real good to me,” he said.

Kate looked into the fire, “Do you remember that Christmas you worked for us…you must have been what…thirteen?”

Jess nodded, “You let me clear glasses and wash up...first paid work I ever got.”

“And all the money went on Christmas presents, for the little ones and your Ma,” Kate said.

Jess remembered that bleak Christmas.

His Ma had miscarried a few weeks before and had never really recovered. The doctor had been and said she was very run down and anaemic. He recommended a good diet, rest and some medicine…and said he would return. However, Jess’s Pa cancelled the visit saying he couldn’t afford it. Jess was beside himself with worry watching his Ma sitting by the fire shivering, saying she just couldn’t seem to get warm.

That’s when Kate had stepped in. She was a mine of information on old Indian remedies and soon had his Ma feeling better after taking the tonic Kate had made for her.

Then Jess begged her for a job.

She looked at the skinny barefoot kid and her heart melted.

Out of the wages Charlie and Kate paid him he was able to buy his Ma a warm shawl for Christmas and the young ‘uns some candy.

He remembered that now, and said, “Thanks Kate, for the work and all…and helping Ma that Christmas.”

She brushed his thanks aside and said, “We were so worried about you boy. Charlie saw you once practicing a fast draw and firing into an old clay bank…said it looked like you’d found an old gun someplace and cleaned it up.”

Jess just nodded confirming that.

She looked sad, “He said you were dang fast and accurate, but if you started living by the gun you wouldn’t see your twenties.”

Then she turned to him and said, “Thank God he was wrong…”

Jess smiled at her, “That’s all behind me now Kate, I’m a rancher…and I’ve put up my gunslinger weapon for good.”

She beamed at him and in a rare moment of affection reached over and squeezed his hand, “I’m glad…”

Then said, “I’m gonna turn in. I need my sleep iffen I’m going to be wrangling tomorrow!”

The following morning there was a hammering on the door just as they were finishing their breakfast.

Jess and Kate exchanged a puzzled glance, before he grabbed his rifle and went to the door, and hauled it open.

A rough looking character stood there, dressed in the usual mountain man attire of buckskins, topped with a large black Stetson and black bandana he looked threatening. His hard, dark eyes seemed to look straight through Jess.

“Mrs Munroe…she here?” he asked gruffly.

Jess stood his ground and said, “Who’s askin’?”

“Jago, Jago Jack,” the man growled.

“What, Indigo and Cougar Jack’s brother?” Jess asked now looking less than friendly.

“You know ‘em?”

“Run into them a few times yeah.”

Jago, Indigo and Cougar Jack were notorious mountain men and gave all animal skin traders and moonshiners a bad name. They were all underhand, manipulative liars and would sell their granny for two cents.

Jess narrowed his eyes and brought up his rifle, “So what do you want with Kate?” he asked.

But then she was there and pushing passed him said curtly, “It’s alright Jess I’ll deal with this.”

“What do you want Jago?”

“You know what I want Kate my darlin’ for you to spend Christmas with me! Hell, every Christmas,” he said, his tough features softening and his teeth flashing into a grin in his filthy unshaven face. “How many times must I ask you, my love?” he added.

“How many times do I hafta tell you, hell will freeze over before I have anything to do with you… you low life!”

“Aw Kate don’t be so dang mean yer breaking my heart,” he said, his eyes looking very bright.

Kate just tossed her head and sighing said, “Go find some other poor soul to bother Jago, I really ain’t interested.”

“Kate please…”

“You heard the lady,” Jess said thrusting the rifle dangerously near Jago’s ribs.

The mountain man threw him a hurt look and stepped back.

“Is there someone else Kate?” he tried again.

Then his eyes opening wide, “Hell are you with this young buck?”

Kate responded with a burst of laughter, “Dang it, man this is Jess Harper, he’s young enough to be my son.”

Jago did a double take and took another step back, “You’re Jess Harper?”

Jess just nodded.

“Uh way Indigo and Cougar talk about you I thought you’d be bigger…older.” he added.

Jess hid a smile but said nothing.

“Look just head off will you Jago, Jess and me have got things to do and yer holding us up.”

“But there is someone else?” Jago persisted.

Kate sighed, just wanting him to go… “Alright, alright, I do have kind of a friendship with someone in Laramie…spending Christmas with him.”

“Who… who is it?” Jago said practically beside himself with misery.

“Mort Cory,” Kate said.

Jago’s head shot up and he looked shocked to the core.

“Sheriff Cory?” he finally whispered.

“The very same,” she agreed.

He took several more steps back and looking around him furtively he said “He ain’t here with ya, is he?”

Kate shook her head, “Well not right now, he might come up to meet us, huh Jess?”

Jess just nodded.

Jago was already on his horse.

“Be seein’ ya Kate,” and he was off in seconds.

Jess and Kate stood their laughing heartily.

“Good old Mort,” she finally managed, “can tame outlaws even when he ain’t present!”

OOOOOOO

Now, all those years later back in the current time and sitting around the fire Mort grinned, “She said that?”

Jess nodded, “Heck she said a lot about you Mort, but I guess I’m sworn to secrecy.”

Mort leaned over and refilled Jess’s glass with moonshine, “Aw now come on buddy, she’d never know.”

“But I would Mort. She trusted me, can’t betray a confidence now can I, huh? I guess you’ll just hafta to ask her at New Year.”

“Huh, I thought she was looking after that old sidewinder Denver, down with the influenza.”

Jess grinned, “So did I, but according to Mose, she’ll be down soon. Seems he saw Billy Durant just the other day. He’d been up the mountain for some moonshine and said it looks like old Denver is on the mend and he figured Kate would try and get down for the New Year Dance.”

“Why in blue blazes didn’t you tell me before!” 

 “I guess I didn’t wanna spoil the surprise…but well, you know what they say,” and he took another sip of his drink, “‘many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip’”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mort asked looking pained.

Jess shrugged, “I dunno, Jonesy’s always sayin’ it. I thought it meant you say things maybe you shouldn’t after a few drinks?”

Slim chuckled at that, “What it really means is that things can go wrong between the start of a plan and the end, so don’t bank on Kate turning up Mort. Denver may have some plan to try and keep her up the mountain.”

“He better hadn’t,” Mort said darkly.

“Oh, I shouldn’t worry on that score,” Jess grinned, “Kate’s her own person and I figure she can see through old Denver’s scheming. After all, she figured he was kiddin’ his leg was still bad after that bear mauling…when it was just fine. Yup she’ll see through him alright. She’ll be down Mort.”

Slim topped up their glasses and they all sat back and relaxed.

“Been a swell Christmas,” Slim reflected, “having Andy and Jonesy home has made it really special.”

The other’s concurred.”

“Miss Daisy and Jonesy sure turned out a really first-rate meal,” Mort said, contentedly stretching his legs out before the blazing fire.

Meanwhile Jess had picked up a book Mike had been given and was leafing through it, enjoying the illustrations which featured elves, fairies and of course Santa…all in an imaginative adventure.

Tapping the book Jess looked over at Slim and said, “I thought you were going to tell Mike about Santa, before someone teases him in the school yard?”

“No need,” Slim said cheerfully, “he already knows the truth. It seems a friend told him a couple of years back.”

“Huh? But he’s always talking about him. Heck, he made me leave out a carrot for his reindeer this year,” Jess said looking puzzled.

“Ah yes, well that’s all for your benefit, Jess.”

“Huh?”

“Well, you see he thinks you still believe in him so he’s sworn me and Daisy to secrecy as he doesn’t want you to get upset if you learn the truth.”

“What!”

“Yup it seems you were just way too convincing with all your tales of Santa. How he comes when Mike’s asleep and has this big sleigh and all the presents. Yup you did a fine job of storytelling buddy.”

“Aw Slim I was just tryin’ to keep the magic alive for him…yer not a kid for long you know.”

Slim and Mort exchanged a sympathetic glance, knowing Jess hardly had a childhood at all.

“So, what am I gonna say next Christmas?” Jess asked looking anxious. “You said you and Daisy promised not to tell me about Santa.”

Then Mort beamed at him, “Don’t worry Jess you can tell the kid I filled you in on Santa.”

Then looking surprised said, “So what are we talking about here, huh? The Reindeer aren’t real for sure. And he doesn’t come all the way from the north pole…well I always thought that was a bit farfetched…that’s a powerful long way. But Santa himself…he’s real ain’t he ...huh… huh?”

Slim and Jess just stared at him open mouthed for a couple of seconds before the Sheriff winked and they all fell about laughing…Slim raised his glass, “Merry Christmas Jess, Mort.”

“Then tipping it towards the chimney said, “Merry Christmas Santa!”

Epilogue

Andy and Jonesy returned back east for New Year, both keen to see their sweethearts. Although Slim and the others missed them, they knew that both the older and younger members of the Sherman ‘family’ really needed to spend that special time with their chosen one. It was a good few years before both Jonesy and young Andy were to say their wedding vows, but they were just as much in love with their gals then  as they had been that first New Year.

Meanwhile Jess and Slim were delighted to welcome Lily and Millie back after the holiday. So, it was on New Year’s Eve a very cheerful group left the ranch to celebrate that special time. They dropped Mike off at the Jackson  place where he was beside himself with excitement at the prospect of having a sleep over with Billy and all his kin. Pa Jackson had grinned when Jess thanked him, “Ain’t no bother me and the Misses can’t go out with our brood to care for and one more won’t make any difference,” he said cheerfully as he waved them off.

Daisy arrived in style  with Slim driving the buggy and Jess following behind on Traveller. She looked stunning, or so Jess and Slim had declared earlier. She was decked out in a midnight blue velvet gown with little matching velvet hat perched on her silver hair.

“Gee,” Jess had grinned, “if I was ten years older, I’d be courtin’ you myself.”

“Yes dear,” she’d said chuckling, “and if I were ten…uh maybe twenty, years younger I’d be happy for you to do so. But as it is I think I’ll stick with Mose, after all he did ask me for the first dance.”

The dance was a huge success with Daisy being one of the belles of the ball dancing almost every dance with Mose, Ezra, Tom from the saloon, Bert from the livery and assorted other gentlemen of a certain age.

Slim and Jess watched her indulgently as she was whisked around the dance floor.

“She’s having a ball ain’t she,” Jess said grinning as she waltzed past.

“Sure is,” Slim agreed.

Then Jess frowned slightly, “Dang it Slim you don’t think any of those hombres is gonna up and propose do ya? Hell, we can’t lose her,” he said casting his buddy an anguished glance.

Slim frowned, “Heck I sure hope not!”

Jess excused himself from Millie for a moment and marched off.

“Where are you going?” Slim called after him.

“To ask her to dance of course,” Jess replied grinning, “I need to make sure she knows how much she’s appreciated.”

So, the evening was a huge success and if Jess and Slim disappeared soon after midnight with their gals, well nobody noticed.

Daisy was escorted back to the hotel by no less than three potential suitors and she thanked them for a lovely evening…but declined any further meetings.

“So kind,” she murmured, “but I’m afraid I’m kept far too busy at the ranch to come to town very often.”

Meanwhile over at the saloon, Jess and Slim were making up for lost time and enjoying some private time with their special gals.

OOOOOOO

Now all the festivities were over, it was mid January and Slim and Jess were holed up in the barn mending harness.

“Dang it Slim, it’s freezing in here,” Jess moaned for the third time, “I can hardly feel my fingers.”

“Quit griping, you know Daisy is spring cleaning in the house. We go in there she’ll have us tidying the dang attic, she’s hinted often enough lately.”

Jess just nodded moodily but once more bent over his task.

“It was a good Christmas,” Slim said reflectively, “sure was nice seeing Andy and Jonesy for the holiday.”

Jess agreed, “And remembering all those fun times we all had years ago.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s what really makes a friendship…all the shared memories,” Slim observed.

“Uh-huh, good and bad,” Jess concurred. “Like the first Christmas I spent here, and then Daisy and young Mike. I guess there were mixed feelings… Accepting what yer life was and then what it is right now. Letting go of the past and accepting new things, it’s never easy. But I guess you have to move on… and hope for a better future too…you know?”

Slim opened his eyes wide and said, “Hey pard that’s pretty profound for you.”

“Huh…?”

“You know, deep, thoughtful.”

“Oh sure, I can think things out pretty good when I put my mind to it.”

“And you’re right Jess. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn…to accept what we can’t change…like losing loved ones, losing the way things were by letting go of what was. Heck remembering it always for sure…Then holding those loved ones in our hearts, so they can go forward with us and have hope…faith in the future.”

Jess nodded.

“You’re right about something else too,” Slim said grinning at him.

“I am?”

“Yup, it’s dang freezing in here, let’s take the harness over to the bunkhouse, we can light the fire and make some coffee…I think there’s even some moonshine left to liven it up, what do you say pard?”

Jess leapt up from his seat on a straw bale and grabbing the harness made for the barn door, “Now yer talkin’!” he said grinning, and he dashed out…closely followed by Slim.

The End

Merry Christmas…and a special howdy to any of you who may be alone this year.

Thank you for reading.

Wishing you a happy New Year and as Jess said, “Accept what is, Let go of what was, and have Faith in what will be.”